It's a Jungle Out There
"Hey Arnold! Hey Arnold! Hey Arnold! Hey-" , his alarm went off, as it did every single morning. Time for a new day. This was no ordinary day, Arnold knew, as he looked over at his calendar. Today was the day that 9 years ago, on this day, that his parents got up and left Arnold to go to San Lorenzo to complete an important mission to help cure the "Green Eye" people from a terrible fatal disease. Arnold let out a big sigh, as he picked up a small picture frame of his mom and dad, smiling in a picture. Still, Arnold got up, got dressed, went down stairs, and got to school as he did any other day. Gerald met Arnold half way to school.
"Hey, I'm sorry man." Gerald said. Gerald knew what today was. But he would never begin to understand what made him feel like this. This is what made Arnold annoyed. He was always modest about his anger towards this day, so he just kept walking without saying any word.
"Good morning class! Have I got some special news for you!" Mr. Simmons expressed to the class. His enthusiasm was never appealing to anyone in class, but on this day, particularly Arnold. "This might be the most amazing opportunity that we will ever get. Each fifth grade class in every elementary school in the city will be competing in an essay contest. The winner and their class will get an extended seven day vacation in San Lorenzo at the luxurious resort." Arnold's head went up at the words "San Lorenzo". This contest was too good to be true. Arnold looked over at Gerald who gave him the thumbs up. Everyone in class knew that this was where his parents disappeared to. Arnold could feel the stares at the back of his head. "So, class. It would be so special if you guys could all participate. Who's interested?" The entire class raised their hands." I will give you guys the day to work on the essay to get ahead on it. The topic is 'Why do I deserve this vacation in San Lorenzo?' Get writing!"
"Oh my gosh! Arnold! This might be your chance!" Phoebe exclaimed.
"Yeah, football head, maybe you might finally be getting to meet your parents, but we better get this vacation so I can relax at the nice resort." Arnold did not care in the slightest bit at what Helga just said. He was too excited to write this essay. He would be shocked if these judges didn't give him the only chance of meeting his parents. After all, that's really all he wanted.
