Have No Fear, The Villain Is Here!

In many films today, there is almost always a controversy between what we agree with and what we do not. Although, what do you do when the character we are led to believe in, is actually a villain in disguise? When things begin to go dark when we thought all was bright. You may begin to switch with the theme, or you may remain empathetic to the evil-doer. No need to fear, that does not make you evil, the producers of the films will purposely direct your emotions to sympathize with those of the bad guy. Using this knowledge I will be discussing the film “The Place Beyond the Pines”, and it's portrayed main characters Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper) and Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling). I will be discussing how the producers have led their audience to feel pity, sorrow, and even anger for the “bad guy”. Maybe he is not so ‘bad’ after all.

This story begins with the life of Luke Glanton. As a motorcycle stuntman, travel was a huge part of his career. Yet, once he arrives in Schenectady, New York, he is reunited with a woman from the past, a woman who he later discovers he shares a son with. Fearing the title of a “deadbeat dad”, Luke will do anything in his power to be involved in his son’s life in some form. By quitting his job as a motorcyclist, he is able to attempt to support his son. Afterwards, he takes up a job with a man at a local auto repair shop and tries to squeeze into the lives of his ex; Romina Gutierrez, and their son. After countless rejections from Romina regarding his financial support, he becomes desperate. Asking his employer for a raise, Luke sets out on the situation of a lifetime that he never would have thought he would land himself in. The character of Bradley Cooper is brought into the film on some seriously inconvenient circumstances. Avery Cross is part of the NYPD, and is also the murderer of Luke Glanton. Fast forward a few years, and the “good guy” remains as someone the audience hates, but the characters adore. The criminal who has died is someone the characters of the film believe to be the terror of the town that was finally solved, whereas the viewers know the deceased’s true intentions.

The producers of “The Place Beyond The Pines” do an adequate job at forcing the audience to feel nothing but pity for Ryan Gosling’s character. As a victim of a deadbeat father, all his character wants is to be a part of his child’s life by not making the same mistakes his father did. He gets his life together by quitting the job he loves, realizing how dangerous it is, and how much time he would spend away from his family. Getting a new, local, well paid job is Luke’s second step into his son’s life. The money he receives from every paycheck would go towards childcare, to insure his son has a good life. How could you hate a man like that? Later realizing that what he is bringing to the table is not enough, Luke asks his employer for a simple raise, not realizing that this source of income would be what ends his life, and begins the wrath of his son’s. As the audience, we wonder how things will turn out, will his son respect his drastic decisions? Or hate him for his criminal behavior? Several years later, Jason, a troubled teen curious about his biological father, becomes enraged by his discoveries, but it is not what we think. When Aj Cross enters Jason’s life, the secret is soon revealed: Jason’s father was dead because of Avery Cross, Aj’s father. Using these aspects, the producers have created a base for the audience. We feel empathy for not only Luke, who had been murdered in an act of unlawful money “exchange”, but for the son who was forced to grow without a father to guide and love him. Simply because Luke had gotten involved in some illegal business of bank robbery, the NYPD believed it suitable to shoot and kill him, unarmed, and surrendering. The police officer becomes the true antagonist of the film. Praised for his duties that “benefitted the community”, the audience begins to despise this man, while feeling sorry for the known criminal and his family.

The “protagonist”, Avery Cross, is made so that the viewers are forced not to feel any pride in his doings. By the gloating and positive praise he receives for murder, one cannot help but think he enjoys the attention. He is given medals and badges for killing a man who wanted nothing but to provide for his son. As if this was not enough, the man he killed was surrendering when he shot him by accident inside a family's home. After being shot, Luke had fired back at Avery, who later tells police that Luke had shot his gun first resulting in him firing back in defense, ending his life. Although the man feels remorse for what he has done, the audience cannot help but wish it would have been him who had died back in that house. With a son of his own, one would assume Cross would understand the pain it must have caused Luke’s family, but instead the man becomes just a shadow in the background of his own son’s life. This results in his son being brought up for drug possession with a friend, who is later revealed as Luke’s son, Jason. Once Avery realizes this, he forbids his son from speaking to him, fearing what he may do if he knows what he has done to his family. Nevertheless, his son continues to speak to the forbidden boy. Jason discovers his father’s past through his step-dad, who tells him his name, and the internet. After visiting Luke’s former employer, he is shown all he needs to know about his biological father, including a picture of the man who murdered him. While maintaining a friendship with Aj Cross, Jason notices a photograph in Aj’s home, the same photo that was in a newspaper article about his father’s death. Once Jason has placed two and two together, he lashes out by beating his former friend at gunpoint, then dragging Avery Cross out into the woods where he intends to murder him to avenge his father. While he prepares to shoot and kill the man who deprived him of a father, Jason has a change of heart and instead steals Avery’s wallet which held a special photograph, and runs away. When Jason is gone, he purchases a motorcycle, similar to the one his father once drove, and drives away. Back at his home in New York, a few months later his mother receives an envelope from her son, inside is the photograph, one of them along with Luke, dated back when Jason was just a baby.

By the final plots of the film, the majority of the audience is in tears. We realize the kind of life Jason would have had, attempting to grow as a boy without his father. The sympathy we feel for Luke Glanton and his family is over the moon, and the little remorse we feel for Avery Cross, even after he breaks down in apology, is just one example of the amazing job the producers had in making this a film for the “bad guy”.

Love and Loss

Dear Diary,

Today is the date I will mourn for an eternity. My beautiful daughter, mother, and wife have been ripped from my palms, and even though each has left me with special reminders of life and the love we shared, I cannot help but cry. Nefertiti was my love, my life, my everything, and now she has been taken from me. For what purpose? I am not certain. She has been my amazing companion for years, raising our children alongside the many minor wives, like Kia, I have held, but none have ever compared to her beauty and elegance. We shared a special religious belief, she was my equal in the eyes of Aten. This is a moment that will forever stick in mind, no matter how much time will pass, I will never recover from such a loss…

I reach towards the Aten, begging him for mercy. How could this have happened? How could he take away my precious Wife and child? I have to hold my tongue. I must not speak harshly of the God. His plan for me is unclear, but I am aware that there is a purpose for what has happened. Perhaps, he found I paid too much attention to my family, that I have neglected my duties to him. There is only room enough in my heart to love and worship one being; Aten has made that clear with his extinction of my love. He will now be all I love. That must have been his plan. I must take my grief and use it for him. I was foolish to have thought the change of my birth name from “Amenhotep IV” to “Akhenaten”, in his honor would be sufficient to giving my full oath to serving the sun God. If only the beings from above would reach down and provide me aid with such dramatic news…

For the sake of the life we have shared, I must take this loss and turn it to love for the Aten. The God will see me through the hard times, and I will see to it that he is worshipped in the proper manner he deserves. All of Egypt will pray the name of the sun God, no other impostering Gods will be so much as thought of by my people. I will make point of it.

Akhenaten

The Dauntless Dream

Every bookworm’s dream is to have the opportunity to become a character from their favourite novel, I am no exception. If given the chance to become any character my heart desired, I would trade places with Tris Prior, formerly known as Beatrice, from the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth. The chance to live the life of a dauntless would be breathtaking for me, with all the bravery involved, and the skill. She is more than just that though, as a Divergent, she is selfless, brave, and curious; all human skills that I dream of possessing.

For as long as I can remember, taking risks was something I adored doing. The adrenaline that would flow through my veins as I performed tasks that seemed rather dangerous, or out of my comfort zone, was a feeling that made me feel alive. Living the life of a Dauntless which, by definition means fearless or bold, would be a lifestyle to satisfy this aspect of myself. As someone who fears many things that are common in everyday life, for instance, heights, crowded places, dolls, loud noises, and occasionally clowns, possessing the abilities to face all of this would be fascinating. My biggest regret in my life so far, is not confronting the fears that have held me back my entire life. Being Tris would make all of this go away. I could climb ferris wheels and not look back; and dare to be whoever I want, how ever I wanted, without the judgement of others. There is no more of a perfect world than the ones we read in books. Time is an endless cycle, and the fears of wasting it do not exist. Not only would I be brave to it’s greatest extent, but I could help people in a way that does not require several degrees in medical science, or correctional courses, in a way that only requires two hands and a voice.

Defending the rights of others is something I have been extremely passionate about for as long as I could remember. As a dauntless, no one ever questions your judgement or your right to speak your mind, there are no rules except, do not be a coward. You are the law, and whether you use that power or abuse it, really depends on your intentions. To have that influence over the thoughts of others would be a dangerous power to hold, nevertheless, if it is put into the right hands, great things could happen. There are some negative aspects that could come along with this kind of society, but just the entire lifestyle of fighting for the people appeals to me on so many levels. Manifestos are a large part of the Divergent trilogy, and the Dauntless’ beliefs are some that I encourage daily: “We believe: that sometimes it is necessary to fight for peace; that justice is more important than peace; in denying fear the power to influence our decisions; in shouting for those who can only whisper, in defending those who cannot defend themselves; in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” (From the Dauntless Manifesto). For me, the most important of these is the final two statements. All my life I have been brought up to defend those who cannot defend themselves, and to stand up for others, as well as what I believe in. The life that Tris of Divergent lives may not be the most desirable life, but it is an eventful one, with moments that hold so much bravery that I cannot help but desire it.

The experiences that Tris Prior gets to live through are timeless. Before the bad comes in, her life is one filled with the excitement of simply living. That is something that I dream of understanding, to enjoy the way you spend your time solely because there is a beat in your chest, and air in your lungs. My greatest fear is that when I am old and grey, I will look back on my life with nothing but disappointment of the things I did not do. Tris Prior would not do that. I want to face my fears, and not only speak up for what I believe in, but shout to the highest mountains when things are not right. Beatrice was a girl much like myself, afraid with that feeling of not belonging. She could barely look in a mirror without seeing the things she disliked of herself. Although, Tris is nothing like that. She is fearless, nonchalant, nothing can bring her down, and most importantly, she is brave. Tris kicked Beatrice Prior out the window, and that is what I hope to do with my current self. Being able to conquer my own demons is the first step I will have to take to be anything like what the woman she is, but it is something I would love to do. The novel Divergent is my favourite trilogy, I could read it countless times and remain just as in love as I was the first time my eyes scanned the pages. Still, to this day, three reads of the trilogy later, I yearn to live as courageously as they do.

I have dreamt many nights of the life of a Dauntless, and if I had the opportunity there is no doubt in my mind that I would take it. The bravery and adrenaline that it all takes is something I thirst for. As well, all of the characteristics, that are far from the kind of person I am today, are something that makes me wonder how the life of a Dauntless would be. Everything that this trilogy possesses has a component of my dream lifestyle. If I was given the choice, I would definitely trade with “Tris” from Divergent.

The Five Best Novels

When we look around us today, there are many issues that need to be addressed. Whether it be through public service announcements, newspaper articles, or even novels specially designed for these reasons; we always find a way to bring them to the public eye. We all have those books, maybe childhood favourites or not, we’re talking about the books we could read over and over, and never get tired of them. With this knowledge, I am going to discuss from my perspective, the five best novels. As a scale of how to judge what is best, I will consider how real the issue discussed is, and how urgently they are addressed, as well as how touching the notions in the novels were to my own emotions. 

#5: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher-

Following the story of one Clay Jensen, an average teen with the stress of school, and crushes, Jay Asher takes us inside, to the parts of Clay that no one sees. After his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker commits suicide, Clay is shocked to receive a series of cassette tapes, recorded by her, two weeks later. On the tapes, it is depicted that there are thirteen reasons why Hannah Baker chose to end her life, and he is one of them.

This tragic story makes its audience aware of the countless ways we can affect a person’s life, without realizing it. It shows everyone that what you say or do can have a massive impact on someone else, in both positive and negative ways. There are several reasons this novel deserves to be on this list. For instance, it tackles an extreme problem in society, and allows the readers to become educated in the different minds of others. In some cases, it may even help others who are in the same situation as the main characters. This story may help to understand that they are not alone, and that things can get better. You may wonder, “why is this #5 if it’s so good?”, well, although the story is heart wrenching, and a complete representation of a huge issue we face often, it did not meet my criteria of “an amazing book”.

Do not get me wrong, it was a fantastic read, but there were certain aspects of the novel that just did not sit with me. One for instance, is the fact that the entire plot revolves around the idea that a teenage girl killed herself, because of the opinions of her classmates. Yes, this could be a good learning opportunity, yet, it almost makes the entire issue a joke or a game in a sense. The other reason that this novel remains on my #5, is because of the entire malevolence of the plot. Asher makes it almost impossible to feel any form of pity for the character. While reading, all I could think of is how angry Hannah Baker seemed. She never once asked for help, all she did was blame everyone else for her unhappiness, and for idiotic reasons as well. It was as if she killed herself only to make others suffer. This message, is not really one I would like to promote to the fragile minds of teenagers.

#4: Rules by Cynthia Lord-

Being a Children’s literature book, you may wonder how this has gotten on my list, nevertheless, let me explain. This riveting story follows the life of a twelve year old girl, Catherine, who has been given the task of babysitting her eight-year-old brother, David. We then learn that this is the norm in Catherine’s life, because her brother is in fact autistic, and needs to be monitored at all times. Soon, things in Catherine’s life take a turn for the optimistic as she learns new things about her brother and children like him.

This is definitely a novel I recommend highly. It covers the topic of the mental illnesses that are not usually discussed as often as others. Autism has affected many people, including me. Living with an autistic brother is far from easy, and from my perspective, this story expresses the challenges well. For anyone of any age, who may be struggling with autism, whether it be in your family or your friend’s, I would have to say this book will open your eyes. The illnesses that are not really talked about are the ones that affect your brain most, the ones that others describe as “retarded”. Although this story is one of my personal favourites, it remains on my #4, simply for the reason that I enjoyed other novels more, and it is in fact a children’s story. Overall, it is an easy to read story, with some heart warming traits that may bring a tear to your eye, and knowledge to your mind. If you are someone who may refer to people with mental illnesses as “retarded”, I suggest that you pick this story up at your local library, and read it. Use this to take a moment to open your mind to other possibilities.

#3: Hold Still by Nina LaCour-

Following the death of her best friend Ingrid, the main character, Caitlin struggles to move forward. When she finds Ingrid’s journal beneath her bed, she begins along a path of discovery, and understanding that leads her to new friendships and love. After going against herself for so long, she begins to see why some things happen for a reason.

“Hold Still” may seem like just another novel that tells the story of loss, but Nina LaCour takes this to new heights. In this story filled with heartbreak and new beginnings, the readers will without a doubt feel the very real impact suicide can have on not only one, but multiple people. As a massive global issue, suicide is a topic rarely discussed verbally. Using literature to approach the minds of those who may be considering such a fate, is an efficient way to address it. It opens doors for conversations that many try to avoid. By addressing these issues on mental illness, especially in this novel, we are telling those individuals that there are other ways. This story is full of quotes that can do nothing except make the reader think. One example would be “If you are looking for reasons there are no reasons.” once you really think about it, that one line has a great impact.

#2: Messenger by Lois Lowry-

Part three of “The Giver” series, it is already clear that this novel is one for the books. The story is one about a young boy named Matty and his adventure of understanding his mysterious gift. While his village goes into minor chaos as a growing group of citizens protest to close its borders, the Forest that was once welcoming and beautiful, begins to turn dark and malevolent. As the trees thicken, making residents unwilling to pass through, with the help of Matty, his caregiver, Seer, must travel through the Forest to return his daughter home before it’s too late. Throughout the journey, Matty must do all he can to make sure he, his caregiver and his daughter arrive safely.

"Messenger" is definitely a novel I would recommend to any teenager. Lois Lowry follows the very real issue of finding yourself; something everyone has or will experience. You will be an emotional wreck by the end of this short book, although it is more because the story is so beautifully done than sorrow. With diverse characters, and an intriguing plot, you will find it difficult to put this book down, even after the pages are finished. Anyone can find ways to relate to this story, whether it be to the characters, or even just to the entire theme. I will not spoil anything for anyone who may want the opportunity to read this for themselves, but I will say, there is something in this story for everyone. The novel is short, but Lois Lowry found a way to portray her characters without much development, and still leave me satisfied in the end.  Using magical power to reveal new identities, this book is seriously one everyone needs to read.

#1: Looking for Alaska by John Green-

Splitting the story into two parts, before and after, we already know that this cannot be good, yet, it is. As an outcast, friendless teen, Miles Halter finds his happiness in famous last words. As the dying poet, Francois Rabelais had said, he went to seek a Great Perhaps. In order to do so, Miles decides to switch to a boarding school in Alabama for his junior year, that he believes holds something more for him. Later, when he meets the fascinating Alaska Young, he realizes he was right.

I have been a huge fan of literature for as long as I can remember, and I must say, a book has never touched me as much as John Green’s “Looking for Alaska”. As a very impatient person there is nothing I hate more than subtlety, or “beating around the bush”; John Green avoids this altogether in this novel. The beauty in Green’s work is that there is nothing hidden in his message. If a character has issues, we are aware of this, and if a character dies, we usually know exactly what happens. He has a real talent for creating characters that everyone will love, and relate to in some way. For me, that is the best aspect a novel can have: the ability to put yourself in the character’s shoes, and understand their way of thinking. Now, this story is unlike any other of John Green’s, he creates a character that few may completely understand, but in the end, he leaves us almost confused and unanswered in various ways. The conflicts faced in this story are full of love and crushes, as well as the true depression of life. It is clear that he has no issue with showing the plain reality of the world, to his readers, and that is what I admire most of this piece of writing.

All in all, each story referred to in this assignment has a special place in my heart. I believe they are by far, the top five novels I have ever read in my lifetime. It is highly that I recommend every lover of books to read atleast one of these fantastic stories. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Three Grammar Writing Exercises.

Exercise #1:

1. The team won its game. Did you win yours, too?
2. They left their books there.
3. I hear you're about to graduate.
4. It's nice that they're friendly.
5. Although I get a lot of colds, I feel all right now.
6. Who's prettier than you?
7. Are you tired? I'm out of breath, too.
8. Run back and forth from here to there.
9. You're about to lose your book.
10. Everyone will accept the prize except you.
11. Do you know whether or not he will give me the prize?
12. Many people choose to live in large cities.
13. Is the doctor through with my exam?
14. What effect does the school principal have on you?
15. What did he advise you to do? Did you take his advice?
16. There are a lot of your friends in the boat.
17. I will buy a book by Ray Bradbury.

Exercise #2:

Exercuse #3:

Time Capsule

If given the opportunity to present five items to be placed in a time capsule that would be opened in 100 years, I would choose an iPhone 5c, my favourite book, a bottle of maple syrup, Canadian change, and a photograph. I believe these items are an important part of our lives as Canadians, and that they should be shared with the eventual world.

My first choice would be an iPhone 5c. Currently, this is the technology that I use most in my life. I feel this is an important thing to add to the time capsule because it would give the people of the future a glimpse into the lives of the people of 2016. An iPhone is one of the most popular forms of entertainment today, it could show how technology has developed. We want this approaching society to understand what was significant to us today. For instance, the use of apps involving weather forecasts, online payments, health apps, anything and everything, right at the palm of our hand. There is so much important information, within such a small device, from all over the world, that it would be important for the future to see. In my opinion, the future will either hold amazing things, with new technology, and this would show what once was, and how we got to where we are in 2116. Although, there is also the chance that the future will hold chaos, if this becomes the case, the openers of this capsule will see where we were today, and hopefully understand where it all went wrong.

Another way I would show those of the future the typical life of a Canadian citizen would be through maple syrup. Kept in a freezer, it will last forever, just like the memories it holds. Being a huge part of all of our lives, I believe it is only necessary to show the future our delicacy. We can never be certain that syrup will even exist in 100 years, we can not even say trees will exist, or even humanity. Yet, if it so happens that we survive, it would be important to show one of the things we are known for most: maple. The maple leaf is a part of our lives as a Canadian in many ways, it is on our flag, everywhere. Future residents may not understand the true power of the maple leaf, and its complexity. With this addition to the time capsule, we can attempt to give them an idea of this part of our lives.

Money is changing everyday: it’s worth, it’s look. It would be important to add this to our time capsule because in 100 years time, money may not exist, and the symbols presented on our change may not be significant then. History is always important to anyone’s life, giving the future an idea of our most precious symbols now, may be good for their future as well. Stories can be passed down, of our queen, our beavers, polar bears, moose, all things that in 100 years young people may not remember. Even now, money is disappearing. The penny, once an important part of our currency, now insignificant. Nowadays, everything is becoming digital, in 100 years, money could become completely technological; debit and credit could take over our lives. Finding these things could improve their knowledge of the past, and by asking their families, they could learn so much more.

Selecting favourite novels to be placed in the capsule would be a relevant addition. Literature changes everyday, and it would be good for the future to see what was popular to the Canadian’s of today. This would give the future an idea of what was used as entertainment for some, and knowledge for others. Also, could give the residents of Canada an image of how much literature has changed throughout the years. In 100 years, anything could change, and sense even now, physical books are slowly disappearing and becoming digital, who knows where the future will lead. I think the history of what our popular novels are now, would be a particularly interesting addition to the time capsule, especially for those literature fanatics, who find beauty in a paperback copy.

Adding a photograph of a common Canadian activity like, hunting, fishing, hockey, etc. would be an important aspect of our lives to share with the men and women in 100 years. Pastimes throughout history change drastically, so to inform the future residents of what we, as Canadians did in the past, would be something that would interest anyone in the future. Another option for the photograph, would be one portraying a Canadian landscape. For instance, the Hopewell Rocks would be an interesting choice. With the world changing everyday, and erosion being a major problem, we cannot be certain that these fascinating tourist attractions will still exist. We need to share these parts of our lives with the future of Canada.

It is my assumption that all of these seemingly irrelevant parts of Canadian lives today, will be the history of our inevitable fate. I believe that these items should be taken under great consideration, and pondered of their importance to this capsule.


Letter:

Dear future residents of Canada,

I am writing to you from the year 2016. My name is Gina, I am a 16 year old resident of Blackville, New Brunswick. Alongside my mother, father, and two brothers, I am proud to call Canada my home, even when things become questionable. Today, I am writing in hopes that you will take the time to remember us, “people from the past” even for a moment.

You may have heard stories, about the generation that could not survive without technology. However, I want to tell you, that we were not all hopeless. In our time on earth, we did amazing things, as well as things we aren’t so proud of. Gender equality is still something we’re working on, but we’ve come a long way. Same sex marriage has become legal in the United States, which was a huge step in equality. I can only hope, in your time on earth, you never have to worry about whether you are being treated equal to others, based on your gender identity, sexuality, or race. Although, as of now, in the year 2016, we are still struggling against this notion. There have been more deaths in our generation from suicide, and racial, as well as sexualism attacks, than there have been ever in history.

Technology can be the cause of many great things if used properly, but you need to be cautious of the harm it can do also. In our time, terrifying things have happened. One event that still haunts the minds of our parents, like 9/11. As well, events that are still fresh in the minds of the young, like terrorist attacks all over the world: Paris, Brussels, and even shootings everywhere, including ones in our own nation. I want to warn you, having this connection to technology is the best, and worst thing that has happened to this generation. With this, we can spread a word around the world in a second, we can get people from other continents involved in things that do not even affect them, and we can even develop things to help you, the people of the future.

If it was not for us, the planets that make up our solar system would remain unknown to many. We have built robots, and droids that can travel far distances, and teach of the greatest part of our generation: discovery. In July of 2015, our farthest planet was visited by these inventions. With this, Pluto has been given a new face. Although, if it was not for us, I hope you would have never known who a man named Donald Trump is. I am uncertain whether you will be in chaos because of this knowledge, or oblivious to the things that could have happened. With this technology we created, a man who believed he could “make America great again” was given his shot in the spotlight. As a result, cultures have been offended, even shamed, and men and women of every perspective have been taunted by this new judgement.

You may wonder about all the amazing things that occurred in our time. Sadly, I do not have the writing capacity to inform you of it all. Yet, if you look around you, at all the hopefully astonishing inventions that the people of your time created, maybe you can understand that although we were a generation engulfed in technology, that is not always a bad thing.

                                                                                                                       Yours truly, 

Gina, from the past

Sanchez The Slug

1. Sanchez was a cheerful slug.

2. While his parents worked in the gardens during the day, he would spend his time with his friends at the ant hill.

3. Sometimes, Sanchez would race with his Ant friends, Anthony and Antonia. It was one of his favourite things to do.

4. Although, keeping up with his friends was not always easy for the young slug.

5. They would move faster than a racehorse, with 20 times their own weight on their backs.

6. Yet, Sanchez could barely move a meter within 20 seconds.

7. After yet another extreme loss, he headed home for the evening, thinking about why he could not win.

8. “Why can’t I run?” he thought.

9. As he continued to crawl home, he passed Buck, the butterfly. As he watched him flutter beautifully, Sanchez wondered,

10. “Why can’t I fly?” and he kept on.

11. That day, Sanchez had had enough of the embarrassment.

12. “Dad, why can't I run as fast as the ants? Or fly as beautifully as the butterflies? Why can’t I do anything!”

13.  “Sanchez, my sweet boy, because you cannot.” his father answered.

14. “But my friends can!” he argued.

15. “Your friends are ants, and butterflies. They are built differently than you. With six legs, muscular bodies, made for heavy lifting, speed and flight, you are not made for that.” explained his father.

16. Sanchez cried out, “Why can’t I do that? I want to do that too! I can’t do anything!”

17. Surprised, his father continued, “Darling, ants and butterflies are made to do fantastic things, but so are you.”

18. “Huh?” he questioned.

19. His father began, “Without you, the gardens to the west would not exist! Us slugs break things down, and reuse what is helpful for the plants. If you didn’t do the job you do, the soil would not be healthy, and the flowers would not bloom!”

20. Sanchez was happy with this. He may not have had the strength of an ant, or flight of a butterfly, but he has his own unique talents.

21. Later that night, he would call his friends. Together, they would head west.