Key ideas: realistic fiction 4

End in Sight

1. “Wait for me!” Jonathan yelled as he watched his older brother and sister scurry around the bend in the trail. The burly pine trees swallowed them up, and soon they were out of sight.
2. It was the last day of his family’s weeklong backpacking trip. Jonathan loved to hike, camp, and explore, but after a week he was anxious to be off the trail. He couldn’t wait for the heaping plate of french fries he planned to order at the trailhead’s café. Only one more mile to go!
3. Jonathan eyed the river blocking his way. His brother and sister had quickly navigated the wide log they used as a bridge. Jonathan had crossed the river before, but he had been with his family at the time. Now he was all alone. His parents were behind him, but he didn’t know how far back, and he was impatient.
4. “Fries, here I come!” he shouted.
5. Jonathan took a few careful steps on the log. It was so wobbly! He remembered the tip he had learned on his favorite explorer show. If you keep your eyes in front of you—and Don’t. Look. Down—you’ll be fine. Jonathan inhaled deeply, relaxed the muscles in his clenched hands, and crossed the river.

6. He sprinted up the trail, determined to catch his brother and sister, but when the trail forked, Jonathan dashed left. He was convinced it was the correct way—until the trail dead-ended. Starving, Jonathan stood, lost, with towering pines peering down at him.
7. I’m lost, he realized.
8. Jonathan squeezed his eyes closed, but they still welled up with tears. He decided to stay put, another adventure show tip for lost people. I need to stay calm, he thought.
9. “I can do it!” he shouted. A moment later, he heard voices.
10. “Jonathan?” his mom shouted.
11. “I’m here!” Jonathan shouted back.
12. As soon as Jonathan spotted his parents, he ran up to them. Despite his momentary panic, he hadn’t lost his appetite. “I’m ready to get out of here and get some fries!”