Unexpected Delay

It was not unusual for the Judd family to take a drive on Sunday afternoons. This was a way for them to get Kendra, the youngest of them all, to take a nap. Maren was the oldest, and it was her job to sit next to Kendra in the car and rub her back so that she would get tired and drift off. It was a hard endeavor, but a plan worth pursuing.

Today’s drive was one of the more beautiful excursions. The leaves were changing colors, and the sight was beautiful at every turn. Maren breathed in the crisp air and made a face at Kendra. Kendra barely noticed. She was starting to doze off.

As they rounded the next curve, the car gave a lurch and stopped.

“What?” asked Dad. He tried to start the engine again, but had no such luck. He glanced down at the gas gauge and let out a moan.

“Oh, no,” he whispered.

“What’s wrong?” asked Maren.

“We are out of gas,” answered her dad.

“What are we going to do?” asked Maren’s mom.

“I’m going to have to walk to town and get help,” responded Maren’s dad.

“That has to be miles from here!” said Maren in a concerned voice.

“We have no choice,” answered Dad.

“No problem, Dad. I think your plan worked,” answered Maren.

“It doesn’t look like any plan is working,” hesitated Dad.

“Oh, yes, sir. Kendra’s asleep!” said Maren, and she put her own head back on the seat.