Lane's Last Ride

Lane was on a trip with Mom and Dad. The end of the trip came fast, and Lane was sad to go home.

Lane sat in the hot June sun, and sang a soft tune. "Lane," said Mom, "Get your stuff. We have a fun ride to go on!"

"Where?" said Lane in a rude tone. "I do not want to go yet!"

"Trust me," said Mom, "you will like it." "Jude, time to go!" Mom said to Dad.

Mom drove and drove. "This ride is not fun, Mom," said Lane. "Hang on, Lane. We are not there yet," said Mom.

At last, they came to a stop and left the van.

Lane could see big piles of sand. "Where are we?" she said. "These are sand dunes," said Mom.

On the path, a man with a big smile gave a wave. "My name is Duke, and this is Dude," he said as he gave a tan mule a pat on the back.

Lane gave Duke a big smile. "That mule is so cute!" she said.

"Here," Duke said as he gave Lane a prune. "Use this to call him to you."

Lane held the prune in one hand. "Dude!" she said, and the mule came close. Lane pat his back.

"Let me tell you all the rules. Then, Dude can take you for a ride on the dunes. Would you like that?" Duke said to Lane.

"Yes!" Lane said to Duke. Then, she gave Mom a big hug. "Thank you, Mom! This is the best end to the trip!"