It was dark and freezing cold outside. The wind kept blowing. At that time, the bell rang loudly, and everybody walked orderly to the school gate, including David. His mother would come and pick him up from school but today she was absent. David wondered what had happened, but he was not worried at all. It usually took only ten minutes for his mother to get to school by riding an electric bike. However, half an hour passed, and there was no sign that his mother would come.  ★  

On his way home, David could hardly see any passers-by. The trees shook with the wind and the leaves fell from them without making any noise. David was lost in thinking what was wrong with his mother. Some terrible thoughts jumped out of his mind. Little David burst into tears and quickened his step. 

Finally, David stood in front of his beautiful house. He opened the door hurriedly. He turned on the lights unhesitatingly. Everything was in order. David pushed all the doors and was eager to look for his mother. Still, he couldn't find her anywhere. It was hard for him to control his nervousness. He ran to the telephone and began to make a phone call to his mother.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and came a familiar voice. It was his mother. He hurried to the door and opened it excitedly. His mother wore a big smile, saying, "I just want you to be independent. And I followed you along the way. You made it. I am proud of you. "David held his mother tightly, promising that he would never worry her and he would become brave.