NEW ADDITION

W hen I came home that day, it seemed like nobody was there.

Except then I heard voices outside. Mom, Grandma, and Georgia were all in the backyard. When I got a little closer, I could hear Georgia complaining about something (of course).

“This is unfair! Not to mention irresponsible!” she said. “How could you do this to him? He doesn’t deserve it!”

I stopped in the kitchen and listened through the door. I was the only him in our family. Which meant Georgia was talking about me. In fact, it sounded like she was sticking up for me about something. Which was weird.

Like, really weird.

“He’s going to be fine,” Mom said. “He just needs some love and care, like anything else.”

I thought that was nice of Mom to say. But then it went back to weird again.

“I love his big ears,” Dotty said.

My ears?

“Yeah, well, if he poops in my room, I’m calling the police!” Georgia said.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Mom said. “If you don’t want him in there, just keep your door closed.”

“HEY!” I yelled. I was getting mad now. I mean, I know I’m kind of messy sometimes, but did they really think I was going to do that in Georgia’s room?

“Rafe, is that you?” Mom said. “Come out here!”

“Everyone stop talking about me!” I was shouting… right up until I came outside. And that’s when I got one of the biggest shocks of my life.

“Surprise!” Mom said.

I was kind of speechless. “Is that…?”

“It’s a dog!” Grandma said.

“Well, yeah,” I said, “but does he…?”

“I give it a week,” Georgia said.

“I mean, is he… mine?”

“Yes, he’s yours, Rafe,” Mom said.