Overboard!

Joe sat facing his father in the boat. He was 10 years old and proud of it. He had been in this boat a thousand times, but this time it was different. Joe was going to steer the boat on his own. His father felt that, with a little assistance, Joe could do it.

The night before, Joe dreamt of this moment. He could picture it all in his mind. Sparkling blue water lapped the side of the boat. Once in a while, a small fish would jump out of the water. Joe awoke as excited as can be.

Before long, Joe’s dad turned the boat off and slid over to the seat next to the steering wheel. It was time. Joe climbed down into the driver’s seat and put his hands on the wheel. This was exciting. In the back of the boat, Joe’s sister, Gwen, was rolling her eyes. Gwen was older and wiser. She didn’t see the point in letting the little kid drive the boat. Gwen knew it would take a while for the driving instruction, and so she dangled her feet over the edge of the boat.

Joe had other plans. He figured he had watched his dad plenty of times. He threw the boat in gear and the boat lurched forward. Joe heard screaming. He turned to see his sister fly off the back of the boat.