Shot Heard Around the World

Nathan had been riding his bike outside with friends. It had been a typical day in his life, but he felt unsettled and didn’t know why. His favorite team, the Dodgers, had just won the World Series. He waved goodbye to his friend David and wheeled his bike up the steps.

He opened the door and walked inside. He could hear the television playing in the background. His entire family was sitting around the set. He thought it was strange that his dad was home from work so early.

“Hey, what’s up?” asked Nathan.

“Oh, Nathan, sit down. Something terrible has happened,” replied his mother.

Nathan got a lump in his throat and sat down. What could have happened? Just then, the announcer on the television made the stunning announcement: “We have just received word that President John F. Kennedy has been shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. More information after these commercials.”

“President Kennedy shot?” asked Nathan in a stunned voice.

“Yes, just about an hour ago,” answered Dad.

Nathan loved President Kennedy. He had been excited to have someone so young in the White House. Nathan realized what this would mean. He ran upstairs to grab his book about the United States. He wanted to know exactly who would become president next.

Nathan read about how the vice president would become president and looked up more information about Lyndon B. Johnson. Nathan wiped his eyes and went downstairs to talk with his family.