Dragons in the Forest

I trekked into the gym slowly, staring at the colorful gymanstics mats that loomed ahead of me. The sight of them made my knees and legs feel like two soaked noodles - we were playing "Dragons in the Forest" today in P.E.! I knew I would be the first person from my class to get out because I'm not the fastest runner. Anxiously, I walked over and joined my classmates, waiting for Coach D. to choose the first dragons.

As Coach D. called the six names on his microphone, Miss T. and Mrs. P quietly crept into the forest. While they looked for a secret hideout, I quickly studied the children's faces covertly to see if they had noticed anything. Everyone seemed to be fooling around and talking with their friends. Then Coach Duke interrupted my observations as he called "Miss T.'s boys!" and I knew I had better get prepared. While I waited for him to call for the girls, I started to formulate my escape plan.

Nervously, I stood behind the line, cautioning myself to turn back. Maybe I could just go play in Coach W.'s gym. Maybe I could ask to go to the bathroom and stay there forever. At last, I made my decision to stay and play, knowing that I wouldn't be able to face my friends as a quitter. My feed tapped rapidly, crawling out on to the gym floor at a snail's pace. The other girls were already halfway across the gym as I started to search for my route. Suddenly, Coach D. hollered, "Miss T.'s girls!"

Gulping air in giant breaths, I entered the forest cautiously. Surprisingly, Miss T. leapt from behind a royal blue mat, so I knew I better change my plan. As she moved closer, I dodged back and forth, back and forth, trying to make my move. When I saw no other option and Miss T. glance backwards, I dove between her legs and closed my eyes, grasping for the wall.

When I opened my eyes, I blinked to readjust to the bright lights, not knowing my fate. As I saw the looming blue wall in front of me, I let out an ear piercing shriek - I had been victorious! Miss T. let out a frustrated growl when she realized I was safe. Finally accomplishing a win in "Dragons in the Forest", I now felt like a winner. My classmates and I were ready for more! I learned to believe in myself no matter what dragon I might be facing!

(A collaborative class story created after reading "Math Test")