Lost For Words

 Perry left his home, off to school one bright morning. He was bright and bubbly as he walked out and hopped off his porch. Oh yes, who was Perry? Are you wondering that? Well, Perry is an 8-year-old boy on his way to school right now… now pay attention to the story! Perry actually didn’t walk to school, he rode there on his bike, he still used training wheels so his older sister, Jane joked that he rode a tricycle instead of a bike. Perry didn’t mind. Anyways, off Perry was to school, as he rode along the sidewalk with his sister riding behind him with her friend.

Later on, Perry saw his friends and raced to them, leaving his slow sister behind him. His friends were called, Harry, Emma, and Asmeralda (NOT Esmeralda by the way and everyone calls her ‘Assy’). All his friends were quite different, it’s a wonder why they all became friends. Harry was sporty, silly, and bubbly, Emma loved sports as well and she was also a little stern. Assy loved arts and music. But most importantly Perry, Perry was a keen and caring boy, I’m not sure what his hobby is. Probably reading and solving riddles.

Anyways Perry caught up with his friends who were ahead of him, he signaled his sister, saying that he was going to continue his journey to school with his friends. His sister shouted “Okay, I’ll be riding with Daisy.'' Daisy was Jane’s best friend. Perry was very proactive. He and his friends chatted all along the way to school, on their way they saw Mrs. Patten’s dog, Dober playing with Mrs. Plyer’s dog, Finny while both the Mrs. were chatting. All the children waved at the two old lady’s and they waved back with glee.

After the 7km ride, the kids finally arrived. They ran into class and got told off by Mr. Zimmer for running in the halls, nothing new. They popped their bags in their cubbies and sat at their assigned places, as soon as they reached their classroom. Ms. Kristine entered the classroom, as she entered Emma whispered into Perry’s ear, “while we were riding to school, we chatted about the old house that Mr. Henderson lived in, cause my cousin said that she heard something from the house when no one was home when she was selling cookies for her charity program.” “Was it when I wasn’t with you?” asked Perry. “Of course Perry! If you were there then you would’ve heard it and we wouldn’t be having this conversation!” Emma said annoyed.

“Emma, Perry, quiet, please. We are having the principal over in our class today, so please be on your best behavior.” Exclaimed Ms. Kristine calmly.

The principal was called, Mrs. Walmsley. Mrs. Walmsley’s child was in Perry’s class, he was called William. “William’s looking rather upset today, don’t you think?” said Perry to Emma. “Yes, I wonder why?” whispered Emma back to Perry. “Perry and Emma, I mean it! No talking, the principal is going to discuss something very important with you all” said Ms. Kristine, a little sternly. Then, Mrs. Walmsley entered the room, “Hello class! As you know I am Mrs. Walmsley. I am about to discuss something pretty important with you, so I suggest that you settle down or else you’d be disrupting others during my speech” exclaimed Mrs. Walmsley. Almost the whole class wasn’t paying attention until Mrs. Walmsley clapped her hands! I was so loud that the teacher from next door ran into the classroom, to find out what happened.

Anyways, after Mrs. Walmsley apologized for clapping loudly to the next-door teacher she went on about her topic, “So, back to….”. Another disruption? “Sorry, Margret…I mean Mrs. Walmsley, you have to get to the staff room urgently. Mrs. Patten’s wants to see you, regarding the….” Mrs. Walmsley’s assistant was interrupted, “Oh, alright, sorry children. We can do this another time, alright?” Mrs. Walmsley said, She ran out of the room. “Well, this has been an interesting morning” Emma whispered to Perry with a huge smirk on her face. Okay! Time for the interesting bit!

After school, the friends went to the park, they played there. They were on their way home, to Perry’s home. They wanted to have a playdate. Jane, Perry’s sister was going to her friend’s house for a school project.

It was already 4 pm. As the friends rode into the neighborhood, they passed Mr. Henderson’s house, it was 3 houses away from Perry. They stopped at his house in shock. “Oh My, isn’t that Mrs. Patten’s dog? Dober?” asked Assy in shock. “But, it...it’s,” said Harry stuttering. “It’s dead.” Said Emma. Everyone paused and looked at the lifeless body of the dog in Mr. Henderson’s front yard. They were all lost for words.

Mrs. Walmsley and William were in a car and were riding around Perry’s neighborhood. The car stopped when they saw the children. “Hey guys!” said William as he popped his head out of his car window. “Hi,” said everyone. “ Um, Mrs. Patten’s dog called Dober has gone missing, if you see him could you please tell us,” said William, sounding like he had lots of hope. William loved Dober, he’d play with him every day and was very, very close to him. “Well this has gone from really bad to really, really bad really fast!” said Assy out loud. “ Why what’s wrong?” said William and his mum, the principal, confused. Brave Emma told them the heart-breaking news to William and his mum. “Well, we have seen him. But seeing him might disappoint you greatly.” Said Emma. “Emma please speak up. Get to the point!” Said Mrs. Walmsley. “Dober’s right here! We just found his dead body on Mr. Henderson’s yard!” exclaimed Emma disappointed.

William went into tears as he saw Dober’s body, drenched in rose-red blood. Dober was still. His mum slowly left the car hoping that she could miss the sight of seeing dead Dober and her son who was definitely going to create a pool for Mr. Henderson with his tears. William didn’t make a sound he tried to hold himself together, he was older than Perry and his friends, he was 9. He didn’t want them to think he was a cry baby, even though Perry and his friends would never do that! His mum was surprised when she saw him holding it together. But moments after he burst into tears as Dober was his best friend. I know, a dog, a dog that wasn’t even his was his best friend. Perry and his friends felt horrid even though they knew that they barely had anything to do with this.

After the ‘incident’, the friends continued their journey to Perry’s house. It wasn’t far, it was just 3 houses away, but the friends walked very slowly. Perry’s mum was outside she saw the kids walking as slow as sloths and said, “Come along then! You’re wasting your sleep-over time!” That got the kid's attention. “We’re having a sleepover?” asked Perry with the hugest smile on his face. “Yes, I talked to all your mums! Now come along!” Perry’s mum said. “Hurry!” Shouted Harry. They all ran into Perry’s home. “Very well. Now all of you wash up, your mums are coming at 6.” Perry’s mum exclaimed without hesitation. “What, aunty Janessa, we’re having a sleep-over remember,” said Harry. Emma looked over at Harry annoyed, “ Are you ok? Cause you seem a little bonkers!” Emma said. “Huh,” Harry said dumbly. “Oh, my god! You are being impossibly dense! She lied to get us to walk here quicker” raged Emma. “ Oh….” paused Harry. Everyone stared at him for a bit.

After they washed up, all the kids went to Perry’s room. Well, actually they went past Perry’s room. I know very confusing, just wait, let me get my words straight….Okay! Ready! Back when Perry and the gang were very little (like 5 years of age), they found a secret room hid on the other side of Perry’s wall. To this day only they know about it. Well they, Dober and Perry’s sister. Yes, Dober the dog. He loved everyone and probably has been to every house in the neighborhood. Anyways, Perry asked everyone to go to their hideout. He locked his room door. All the children ran into the hideout. They went around the old table and sat on the old wooden chairs.

“Well, what did you want to tell us about, Perry?” Asked Assy with a desperate weird look on her face. “Um, would you like to say something first?” Perry asked seeing the weird look on Assy’s face. “ Thank you, all I wanted to say was that I feel very sad, incredibly sad, super sad!” Assy said winging. “Why are you sad Assy, c’mon cut to the chase now,” Said Emma really annoyed. “Fine, I feel bad for William, he loved Dober, I can’t imagine seeing Mrs. Patten's reaction.” Said Assy.

“Well she should be sad, she’s had Dober for about 10 years.” Said, Harry. “Well, know that Assy has cleared her thoughts, I can….” Perry was interrupted. “I am not done.” Said Assy desperate. “Well wait” interrupted Perry. “I was going to talk about Dober. I too feel horrid. So, I think we should find out who killed Dober?” Emma continued, “Wow, great idea, genius! How do you know Dober was murdered, he probably just ran in front of a car or stepped on something sharp, or most likely, ate something that made his tummy upset” Emma exclaimed. “Well, if he ran in front of a car how did he end up in Mr. Henderson’s yard, and we all know Mrs., Pattens trained Dober to only eat food given by her, she checks it thoroughly and makes it herself. If he stepped on something sharp, and if it was really sharp that it could kill him, it would’ve been stuck in him. I know he was murdered, because…well because. Okay I don’t quite know yet but, we’ll find out” Exclaimed Perry confidently, (he wasn’t confident when he said the last bit….)

Assy Could see the desperation in Perry’s eyes, being the kind-hearted person she was, she said: “Well I for one think it’s an outstanding idea!”, “Thank you, Assy. Please help Assy and me find out how Dober died.” Perry said, with this desperate look in his eye. “You’ve got to be kidding me! Both of you are in. This Is bizarre. But I guess, I’ll do it” Emma said. Harry looked at Perry confused,

“Whatever you all are talking about, it is extremally bewildering,” Emma explained it all again to Harry quietly and patiently… WAIT, did I say quietly and patiently, I meant rudely, fast, and loudly! Emma was seriously annoyed. The kids all agreed that they would meet at Perry’s home tomorrow at 7:30 am.

That evening, after all, Perry’s friends left, Perry went up to his room to take a bath. He was all alone as his sister was having a sleepover at her friend’s home. Jane and Perry shared a room, well it was separated by a wall, but it was connected. Perry finished his bath and jumped onto his bed. He then fell asleep.

It was the next morning. It was Monday, but it was a holiday, so no school for Perry. Perry woke up bright and early at 7 am. He immediately took his bath and rushed downstairs.

He immediately grabbed a box of Reese's Puffs, a bowl, and some milk. He ate his meal quickly. Even though he tried to be quick, it was already 7:25 am!

Sooner or later, Perry’s friends arrived. They greeted each other and hopped to Perry’s room. They sat in a circle to discuss their mission. “So….What’s the plan?” asked Harry. “Well, first we need to make a list of suspects.” Said Perry. “No, first we should go around the neighborhood to find out who was at the crime scene!” Assy pointed out. “Oh yes, agreed!” said Perry. “Well, if we all stick together, it’ll take forever to search the neighborhood. I suggest we split up!” Emma exclaimed. “Okay! Great idea!” Perry exclaimed. “I’ll go with Perry, and you can go with Harry!” Assy said. “Okay, let’s go! We can meet here at 8:05 am!” Harry said with glee. The children were surprised that Harry paid attention.

The children went around the neighborhood. They divided the neighborhood between themselves. Perry and Assy interrogated Mr. Henderson first. Mr. Henderson was an old man. He was 58. He was tall and had blonde hair and a lot of wrinkles. Mr. Henderson was just going out to his chess club.

“Mr. Henderson! Do you have a moment?” asked Perry politely. “Well, I was just going out to my chess club.” Mr. Henderson got cut off. “Great then!” Assy interrupted. “Mr. Henderson, has anything happened on your lawn lately?” asked Perry. “Um.. no, nothing at all. Why?” asked Mr. Henderson calmly.

“That's a lie! Dober died here! You are the culprit! Admit it!” Assy demanded. “I beg your pardon! What are you saying?” asked Mr. Henderson. “She means to ask if a dog died here?” Perry asked, much more politely. “Oh yes, a dog was found dead in my garden. It was lying in my rosemary bush!” Mr. Henderson said. “ Well, did you know the dog?” asked Perry. “No. Well, I’ve only seen Mrs. pattens walking it. Is this really important? I’ll be late. It’ll take me another 2 centauries to start my stage wagon car! I’m sorry but I must be off. We'll talk later kids.” Mr. Henderson said rushing.

“Assy, don’t accuse people like that, that’s mean!” Perry said frustrated. “Sorry, he was so suspicious,” Assy replied. Perry forgave Assy. The children went to the next house. Just beside Mr. Henderson’s home was Mrs. Prickly. And her name describes her character.

Mrs. Prickly was on her way out. “Hello, Mrs. Prickly. We’re here to ask you about Mrs. Patten’s dog, Dober.” Perry said. “Oh, I hate that dog! He’d always bark and interrupt my soap opera. If I could get a chance I would rid of that dog with my bare hands! Why children, oh I don’t care! Anyways, I am busy children. I’ve got to go.” Mrs. Prickly exclaimed. The children were shocked. “Well, before you go, did you see anything unusual yesterday?” asked Assy. “No, all that annoyed me is that car driving past my house, early in the morning. Why are you questioning me? You are annoying me! Bye children.” Mrs. Picky… I mean Prickly said. They said their goodbyes.

“Well, I think I know who killed Dober,” Assy claimed. “Well, I’m not sure. Onto the next houses!” Perry said excitedly. The children went to many houses, I’m not telling you in detail as these homes weren’t important.

Finally, Perry and Assy reached Mr. Fredrick's home. Mr. Fredrick was 44 and his house is really spooky. It’s the only house in the neighborhood that isn’t connected to other houses. It was the only single home. No, Mr. Fredrick is not a ghost or a vampire, he is a nice man who likes old, creepy antiques.

Perry knocked on Mr. Fredrick's door with the old raven door knocker. But, Mr. Fredrick didn’t open it. Instead, another man opened the rigid door, who looked much younger than Mr. Fredrick.

“Um, hello fine sir. Is Mr. Fredrick home?” Assy asked politely trying to see inside the home. The man cackled and blocked her view. “Hehe, it’s not polite to peak.” The man said. “Oh, I’m sorry,” Assy exclaimed. “Sorry, we’re in a rush, is Mr. Fredrick home?” Perry asked a bit more sternly. “Well, yes. Why?” asked the man. Perry and Assy were getting a little annoyed.

Just then Mr. Fredrick pushed the man aside. “Tim, what are you doing?” asked Mr. Fredrick to the man. “These children are here to see you, uncle.” Said the man. The man then went into Mr. Fredrick's home. “Hello there Mr. Fredrick.” Said Perry with glee. “Oh hello, children! Please don’t mind my darling nephew, Tim. He is an interesting character eh?” Mr. Fredrick asked. The kids nodded.

“Tim came here yesterday, early in the morning at about 5 am. He’s here to visit me.” Mr. Fredrick said. Perry was alarmed. “Yesterday you say! Did he come using a car?” Perry asked cynically. “Yes. Hmm….Seems like you have a lot to ask. Come in. We can have some juice and biscuits!” Mr. Fredrick offered. The children agreed.

The children entered Mr. Fredrick’s house. They were brought to the living room. The house was mostly wooden. It had many creaky weird sounds. The hallway didn’t have a normal welcome mat. It had a long red carpet. The living room had a wooden fireplace. The fireplace was huge. In the living room, there were 2 broken couches, covered with a red cloth. The floor was covered with the same red rug that was in the hallway. There was a CRT tv. The children sat on the couch. Mr. Fredrick sat on an armchair similar to the couch. The children were treated with fairy biscuits with hundreds and thousands on them.

“Mr. Fredrick, we are here to question about the case of the dead dog.” Said Assy. “You mean Mrs. Patten's dog? Ahh, yes, what a pity.” Mr. Fredrick said. “Are you trying to find the murder? That’s exciting. I watch a lot of thriller movies, they say that the bad guy is always the person you least suspect. But I think the bad guy is the one you most suspect or is in the middle. Ha-ha!” Said Mr. Fredrick. The kids giggled. “Anyways, where were you at around 3:50 yesterday Mr. Fredrick?” asked Assy. “ I was at the clinics. I was feeling under the weather, so I decided to go to the clinic. I’m fine now.” Mr. Fredrick replied. “What about Tim?” asked Perry “My darling nephew went out for a run yesterday during this time.” Mr. Fredrick said.

The children went back to Perry’s home. It was 8:25 am. Emma was cross with Assy and Perry. “You're late! This was your idea and you made us wait 20 minutes extra!” Emma raged. The children went up to Perry’s room. “Well did you find anything suspicious?” asked Assy. “Nope, we weren’t very triumphant.” Harry giggled. Emma glared at him annoyed. “All I know is that Mrs. Patten’s said that her dog escaped her house last night,” Emma said. Perry had a thinking face on. “Well, how’d you do?” asked Emma. “We have a few, possible suspects,” Assy replied. “No we don’t,” Perry said. Assy looked confused. “We don’t have any possible suspects because we already know the murderer,” Perry said.

“What do you mean?” asked Emma and Harry confused. “I think I know what he means. The murderer is definitely Mrs. Prickly! She even said she wanted Dober dead!” Assy presumed. Harry and Emma nodded. “No, if Mrs. Prickly killed Dober, she wouldn’t want to kill him as she would have killed him! Mrs. Prickly doesn’t know that Dober’s dead!” Perry said, without hesitation. “Follow me!” Perry exclaimed.

The children followed Perry to Mr. Fredrick's home. Perry knocked on the door. As expected Tim, Mr. Fredrick’s nephew answered the door. “Tim, you owe an apology to Mrs. Pattens and William,” Perry said. Tim turned red and started to sweat. “No! Go away!” Tim commanded. Assy pushed Perry to the side. “That is so rude! You apologize to Perry now!” Assy demanded. Just then Mr. Fredrick came out to see what was going on.

“What is up?” he asked. “I think… no wait, I’m sure Tim killed Dober the dog,” Perry said poised. Everyone gasped looking at Perry. “Oh, my! Well uhm… well, how?” asked Mr. Fredrick. “Tim was coming to your home last night. It was early in the morning when he entered the neighborhood, so he was sleepy. He didn’t notice Dober who had escaped Mrs. Patten’s home that night on the road. I know you drove early in the morning as both Mrs. Prickly and Mr. Fredrick told me. He drove over Dober, killing him. You then noticed the dog after you hit it and brought it with you to Mr. Fredrick's home. You didn’t tell Mr. Fredrick. Then when you went for a run you threw Dober onto Mr. Henderson’s lawn to try to frame him.” Perry snapped, smirking.

“Is this true Tim?” asked Mr. Fredrick. “Yes, I’ll make it up to all of you! Promise!” Tim said. “I’m disappointed!” Mr. Fredrick exclaimed angrily. Tim looked ashamed. “Well, it was an accident.” Said Assy. “Yes, I shouldn’t have tried to frame Mr. Henderson,” Tim said.

Tim apologized to Mrs. Pattens and William. His punishment was to clean Mr. Fredrick's basement and attic and to clean all the local parks and beaches, it took him days!

He also had to keep Mrs. Patten’s company and he really enjoyed it. Mrs. Patten’s got 2 new dogs. Even though she missed Dober she was happy. Perry, Harry, Emma, and Assy all became closer to William and even cycled with him all the time.

Weeks after the incident, Perry, Assy, Emma, and Harry all went to Perry’s home. “Well, I know it’s been a long time, but I think we did a great job finding the killer!” Emma exclaimed. “Yup, Perry you were great!” Harry said. “It was a team effort!” Perry exclaimed. The children burst into laughter.