Sorry it's been so long… yes I know I spelled trembling and never wrong… I did it o purpose.

Sympathy and Manfred

After Christmas the only attention I got that I like was grandma Bone's cruel attention. Because she didn't treat we like a kid. She yelled at me like I could take a blow. Everybody else gave me sympathy. I hated sympathy. Sympathy means that someone feels sorry for you; that someone thinks you're weak.

So I grew to despise it. I didn't want to be seen as weak, I wanted my name to go in history books from my strength; I wanted to be know across the nation as "The Great Charlie Bone", not "that kid who disgraced his family and gets beat up for it and needs help". I NEVER want to be given sympathy. EVER. I decided to set things to rights. So I did something that would show my bravery: I got my green wheelie backpack and packed up my jammies, some cookies, a stick to defend myself with. I wanted to bring my stuffed puppy but the world was too dangerous for someone like him.

I left. I went to find another place in this world where I was respected.

I walked at least a million miles. All the way to the park! That's like all the way in Canada I think.

At the park I saw a creepy boy who looked about 12 or 13 and had hair like a girl and black eyes.

I was only 5 so I did the sensible thing— charged him.

I beat him with the stick and punched him in the stomach. I think I was pretty scary.

"Hiya, cachaw, bam!" he didn't look scared at all.

"You should be trumbling in fear! I am the great Charlie Bone!"

Suddenly he had be in a position that I couldn't move.

"What are your parents' names?"

"Amy Bone and…" what had daddy's name been again?

"I don't remember what daddy's name was… he died when I was 2." Now I was struggling not to cry… and failing.

"Maybe Lyell Bone?"

How did this guy know daddy's name?

"Y-yeah that s-sounds r-right…"

"Why aren't you at home?"

"I ran away and I'm nevow going home!"

"Do you want to stay with me awhile?"

"Are you trying to show sympathy? Because I hate sympathy!"

"Not at all, I'm just being nice."

Five years later, if I still remembered this, I would question his "just being nice" statement.

"Okay!"