Rent a Llama

Rent a Llama

When Marcos slept, he dreamed. His dreams were always the same. He was back in Ecuador, on horseback, tucked in behind his abuelo as they rode among herds of sheep and llamas. The animals clambered up rocky slopes beneath a dome of violet sky. In his dream, Marcos and his grandfather guided the animals toward the grassy fields where they would eat their fill.

Then morning would come, and Marcos would wake from his dreams and worry. His worries these days always seemed the same. Life was so different now. How would he ever fit in here in America? Were there any friends to be had in a classroom of new faces? Would he ever master this strange language called English?

Marcos's mother worried, too. She wanted her son to be happy in his new home. Every morning she made him a delicious breakfast and offered kind words of encouragement before sending him off to school. One Monday, she reminded him that it was a special day for him. “ Marcos, today you are taking a trip with your class, remember?" she said gently. " You are going to a ranch. "

Marcos nodded. He had remembered. He just didn't believe it was anything to get excited about. “ We used to live on a ranch, MamÃ, " he said sadly. " That was in Ecuador, Marcos. I am sure an American ranch will be a bit different, " she said. " Yes, " Marcos sighed, " just like everything else here. "

At school, the other students were very excited. They lived in the city and knew little about farm animals. To them, the trip would be a great adventure. Marcos felt lost in the hubbub as his classmates chose seat partners for the bus ride to the ranch. Mr. Perkins noticed Marcos standing quietly by himself. “ I think Marcos needs a seat partner, " he announced. A small boy named Ben stepped forward and flashed Marcos a smile. " He can sit with me, " Ben said.