Chapter 15

Chapter 15 HITH GREAT HAMSTERS THERE MUST COME... GREAT RESPONSIBILITY! Jodi spent the rest of the week nursing Baron Sweetcheeks back to health. She also continued to walk her neighbors' dogs…but she had learned not to walk them all at once. Taking one or two at a time took her longer, but she was happy to spend her vacation in the company of so many animals. She had surprised her parents when she'd told them that she had changed her mind about having a pet. She wasn't certain that she was ready yet for that much responsibility. And even if she was, she couldn't stand to see Morgan suffer. His allergies were pretty severe (and he didn't always cover his mouth when he sneezed, either).

But Jodi had no idea what awaited her when she returned to Stonesword Library the following weekend. All her friends had gathered in the meeting room, along with Mr. Malory, Ms. Minerva, and Doc. Even Baron Sweetcheeks was there, and Ash had once again dialed in on Theo's laptop. And best of all, right on top of the meeting room's central table, there was a large gift with a big bow on it. "It was your brother's idea," Mr. Malory explained. "And your teachers convinced me that you're ready for it." He slid the box across the table. "Go ahead and open it."

Jodi tore away the gift wrap, and she was stunned by what she saw. It was a brand-new hamster cage…with a brand-new hamster inside. "It only seems fair," said Mr. Malory. "Woodsword has a class hamster. Shouldn't Stonesword have one as well?" "We thought you could care for her, Jodi," said Doc. "So that you can get practice caring for a pet, with

help from your friends and under adult supervision." "She'll stay here at the library," Ms. Minerva explained. "But she'll be your responsibility. You even get to name her." Jodi's eyes filled with tears. The hamster's cheeks…her cute little tail…it was like a dream come true. "I promise I'll take care of you," Jodi told the hamster. Morgan put a hand on her shoulder. "I know you'll do a great job," he said. "And one day, when you're ready for a puppy or a kitten of your own…I promise I'll get an allergy shot." Jodi gasped. "But you're so afraid of needles!" "Well, yeah, I am," said Morgan, blushing. "But I won't let that stand in the way of your happiness."

Jodi gave him a big hug. Then she went around the room and gave everyone else a hug, fist bump, or high five. She "booped" Ash's nose on the laptop screen and patted Baron Sweetcheeks on his fuzzy head. Then she cuddled Stonesword Library's new addition and said, "Welcome to the family, Duchess Dimples. I love you already!"

Everyone crowded around to give Duchess Dimples a proper welcome. It was a joyful moment that Jodi would remember forever.