Pembroke

Arthur had not ventured more than ten inches from home. Then, Patty entered his life and the greatest adventure of his life began.

“There’s the pancreas. Paddle the kayak toward the narrow tail of the organ, so we can tie up and explore,” Patty commands.

“Explore what?” asks Arthur.

“The Islands of Langerhans,” Patty responds.

“Oh no, here we go again! I don’t know if I can take any more excitement, Patty! I get the heebie-jeebies every time we paddle to a new place,” Arthur exclaims.

“Grow up, Arthur! Are you a bacterium or a chicken?” Arthur thinks long and hard about the choices Patty gives him. He longs for the quiet and certainty of his home and school and family and friends. But at some deep level, he truly loves the excitement of exploring new lands. Patty’s head slap wakes him up.

“I’m a bacterium!” Arthur declares in a loud voice.

“Okay, then get out of the kayak and tie us up to the tail of the pancreas,” Patty orders.