Run Your Own Race

That night at the dinner table Coug’s Dad asked him about his day.

“Son, how was Fun Day? Was it a good day? Did you win any of the sporting events?”

Dad expected to hear about Coug’s victories, because Coug tended to do well in sports.

Coug just frowned. Finally, he answered, “Well, I won second place in the school marathon.”

“Really? Who won first   place - Kicker?” Mr. Coug asked. He knew that horse girls can run long distances quite fast. And  that Kicker was a super
racer.

Coug shook his head. “No, it wasn’t Kicker. She didn’t run this time,” Coug answered.

Mr. Coug looked surprised. “Was it Dusty or Rusty?” he asked. “Those two boys are fast.”

Coug had a hard time saying it, but finally he answered his father.

“Bixie won first place,” he whispered.

“What?” Coug’s Dad frowned. “Isn’t Bixie a box turtle? How is that possible?”

Coug looked down at his plate of spaghetti. He didn’t want to tell his father what had happened that day. The whole story - laughing and teasing Bixie - napping in the apple tree - losing the race - then telling Coach that Bixie had cheated. So, he didn’t say much.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he shrugged. “Let’s not talk about it, okay, Dad?”

Dad just nodded. “Okay son. We’ll talk about it another time.”