There is nothing I love more than going for a nice long walk. Not only is it great exercise but I really enjoy the feeling I get when I'm surrounded by nature. I like walking alone because it gives me time to clear my head, get rid of any stress, and work up a nice sweat. I also enjoy getting to see all the animals that are part of my route. There are so many different types of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and bugs busy living their lives.

I know it sounds silly but I like to talk to some of the animals I see during my walks. I wish them a 'Good Morning' or tell them to enjoy their day. I get the strangest looks from people but I don't care. I think it's funny. After a while, I was starting to get tired and decided to head home when I noticed an upside down bug struggling to turn over. As I got closer to the bug I realized that it was a dragonfly. Should I help him up? What if I get stung or bit? Then I remembered reading a book about bugs that said that dragonflies may try to bite but they wouldn't be able to break the skin.

I flipped the little guy over and watched as he flew away. I had done my good deed for the day. Hey! Wait a minute. Why is he coming back? I hope he's not angry at me. It's important that bugs like me you see. "Thank you for your kindness human. Most people would've walked past me or even tried to squish me. But not you. There's something special about you." "Uh, thanks Mr. Dragonfly." "You can call me Duff." "Um, sure. My name is Charlie." "Nice meeting you Charlie. I won't forget what you did for me. I owe you one." "You don't have to......" And just like that the dragonfly disappeared.

I dare not tell anyone about my conversation with a dragonfly. Who'd believe me? Heck, even I don't believe it happened. "How was your weekend boys?" I asked my friends, Thomas and Martin. "Not bad" Thomas replied. "How 'bout you?" "Took it easy this weekend. But I did manage to go for a long walk on Sunday. I even rescued a dragonfly" I joked. "Wow! Somebody notify National Geographic!" Martin teased. "Have you written your Nobel Peace Prize speech yet?" Thomas joked. My friends knew how much I liked animals and were always busting my chops about it. I can only imagine their reaction to the talking dragonfly story.

GRADE SEVEN

SCIENCE CLASS

MRS. SLOANE

PRESENTATION DAY!

"Hey Charlie, maybe you'll get to tell the class your exciting dragonfly story" Thomas whispered. "Quiet class. I hope you all enjoyed your lunch break. I'm looking forward to listening to some interesting presentations today." Presentations? Today? Aw jeez! I was running late this morning and left mine on the bed. Maybe I won't have to go until tomorrow. "The order for the presentations will be done alphabetically." Whew! My last name is Reynolds. Looks like I'm off the hook this time. "First up will be Avery. I'm going to go by first names this time." D'oh!

All presentations were supposed to be 10 minutes in length about any topic related to science. My original presentation was going to be all about how condensation is created. Yeah, I know it sounds boring, and it was, but it would've gotten me a good mark. I frantically began writing down as much about my presentation as I could from memory. "Psst!" "Whaddya want Martin?" "I didn't say anything dude." "Quiet please" Mrs. Sloane warned. "It's me, Duff. I still owe you a favor and so I'm here to help." "But how?" I mumbled. "I will tell you everything I know about dragonflies. And the best part is that nobody can see or hear me." "Alright" i reluctantly agreed.

GRADE SEVEN

SCIENCE CLASS

MRS. SLOANE

PRESENTATION DAY!

"Today I will be discussing dragonflies" I said as Thomas and Martin groaned having heard my earlier dragonfly story.  Duff then began whispering tons of incredible information into my ear that I promptly repeated to the class. "Whoa! Slow down. I can't repeat all that." "Excuse me Charlie" Mrs. Sloane inquired "But who are you talking to?" "Just going over my material out loud." "Okay, you can begin whenever you're ready." I took a deep breath and with a little help from a little friend, began my presentation.