Remember the Duck?

“A little boy went visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods. He practiced often in the woods, but could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back home for dinner, one evening. 

On his way, he saw his grandma’s pet duck. Out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly. It hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. 

The little boy was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he dug a shallow grave, and buried the duck, only to see his younger sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day, grandma said, “Sally, let’s go and do the Dishes.” But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.” Then she turned to Johnny and whispered to him, “Remember the duck?” So Johnny did the dishes. 

Later that day, grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma said, “I’m sorry but I need Sally to help make Supper.” Sally just smiled and said,” Well that’s all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help with supper tonight.” Again, she turned and whispered to Johnny, “Remember the duck?” So Sally went fishing with grandpa, while Johnny stayed behind to help grandma. 

After several days of doing both his and Sally’s chores, Johnny couldn’t stand it any longer, and finally went to grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a big hug, and said, “Sweetheart, I know. I was standing at the window, and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.”

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