On the way home, he ran into Marcus Felt, the meanest bully in the school. Marcus said, " Hey kid. Where do you think you're going? "

" School, " Bret replied in a shrill little voice.

" Give me your lunch money! " Marcus said in return.

So he gave him all the money he had, which was $2.50. So, every recess he would swing all by himself. Tomorrow was his birthday, and he wasn't that happy because the best gift he ever got was a harmonica. So he went to bed.

That next morning he felt different. He got up and got ready for school. His birthday was always on a weekday, so he knew he would open presents after he got home. So he got to school and not one person said happy birthday to him. He wasn't surprised.

After school, he played with his stuffed animal. After a while his mom said, " Come down and eat. Then you can open your presents. " His three grandmas were there from both sides. Also, his two grandpas were there; one had passed away.

Then they got done eating, so they started opening presents. There was a flashlight, board game and a poster. Then he said thanks to all of his nice relatives. So his dad went and got his present. There was a blanket over a mailbox type object. So he started removing the blanket when he heard a bark. Now he tore it open and it was a small little Jack Russell Terrier puppy. He almost started crying, he was so happy. The dog started licking his face, hardly letting Bret take a breath. He decided to name it Lucky.

It was Saturday and his mom and dad decided to take him out to eat. So he chained up Lucky in the house and gave him food and water. Marcus somehow found out that Bret got a new puppy. So Marcus snuck in and ripped Lucky out of the chain and knocked over his water dish.

After a while they got back. Right when he got home, he ran over to see Lucky. All of a sudden he shouted, " Mom! Dad! " They ran quickly to the living room. " He's gone! "

" Well, we'll just have to put up posters. " They made 200 copies and hung them up everywhere. On the way to school, he ran into Marcus again. " Did you lose your stupid puppy? " Marcus said. Then something just got into Bret. Bret jumped up to Marcus and held him by the shirt neck. " What do you know about that puppy? "

He said, " Um, he's at my house. My address is 2946 29th Street. It's close to the school. "

Then Bret sprang out of there and went to the house. There he was; chained up to Marcus's junky old house. He took the chain off and walked Lucky home.