Ten year old Nathan Grant was out adventuring in the woods behind his house. His parents were arguing again. He hated when they argued and seeked refuge in the quiet woods. Young Nathan took a different path this time in the woods. Nathan always made sure that he remembered landmarks in the woods so he would be able to track his way back home. Colleen used to come out in the woods with him. But she was 13 and hanging out with your younger brother just wasn't cool.
Nathan kept down the path. As he was walking, he heard what sounded like someone chopping wood. As he got closer, he saw a boy around his age chopping wood. Nathan stopped and watched the boy chop wood. After about a minute, the boy saw him.
"What are you doing over there?" The boy yelled.
Nathan got closer to the boy.
"I was just walking through the woods and I heard chopping" Nathan said.
"Who are you? I've never seen you before?" The boy asked.
"I'm Nathan Grant. I live about 2 miles that way" Nathan said pointing.
"Who are you?" Nathan asked.
"I'm Jack Thornton. I live over that way" Jack said pointing.
Nathan nodded. "Why are you out here chopping wood?" Nathan asked.
"We just came back from my father's funeral. Chopping wood takes out that frustration. What are you doing out here?" Jack asked.
"My parents are arguing again and I needed to get out of my house" Nathan said.
"Would you like to try chopping?" Jack asked
"Sure" Nathan said walking over to the chopping block. Nathan set up a small log. He lifted the axe and swung it. The block of wood cut into two.
"How did your father die?" Nathan asked.
"He was a peace officer. He died in the line of duty" Jack answered.
"I'm sorry" Nathan said.
Jack didn't say anything back.
"But I am the man of the house now. I have to take care of my little brother and mother" Jack said.
Jack put another block on the chopping block and cut through.
"But when I'm old enough, I'm going to join the Mounted police and make my father proud" Jack said
"If I was to join the Mounted Police, it would be in spite of my father" Nathan said.
There was a silence between them.
"I better head back home. It looks to be about supper time" Nathan said. Nathan began making his way back home.
"Hey, Nathan. There is a river nearby that has some really good fishing. Do you want to meet me here tomorrow and we go fishing?" Jack asked
Nathan smiled. "That sounds like a lot of fun. I'll see you tomorrow" Nathan said. Nathan ran home.
The next day, Nathan met Jack and they went fishing together. From that moment on, they became best friends.