Soccer Sam

Soccer Sam

The plane from Mexico was landing. Sam stood at the airport window and watched. He was going to meet his cousin Marco for the first time.

Soon a boy Sam's size came through the door. Sam's mother hugged him. " Marco, this is Sam, " she said slowly. " Sam, this is Marco. " " Hi, " said Sam. Suddenly he felt shy. " ¡Hola! " said Marco softly.

In the car Marco was very quiet. So was Sam. " We are happy you have come to live with us for a year, " said Sam's mother. " Sí, " said Marco. But he didn't look happy. He just looked out the window. " You like sports?" asked Sam. Sam loved sports. He was very good at them too. Marco shrugged.

" He doesn't speak much English, " said Sam's mother. When they got home, she said, " Take Marco out to play, Sam. Introduce him to your friends. " " What if he doesn't understand what we say?” asked Sam. " Speak slowly, " said his mom. " He'll learn. " Sam and Marco went outside. At the end of the street, kids were shooting baskets. Sam's friend Rosie tossed him the ball. Sam aimed and fired. The ball sailed through the rim.