Story Structure - The Trip to Town

Sally and her sister Amanda sat in the back of the wagon as it bumped along the road. "I can't wait to get to the general store," Sally said. "Ma said we could buy fabric to make new dresses. What color will you choose?"

Just as Amanda opened her mouth to answer, the wagon jerked to a stop. The horses tossed their heads, unable to pull the wagon any farther.

Pa climbed down and looked at the back left wheel. "It's stuck," he explained. "Everybody climb down and help me unload these sacks of grain. Unless we work quickly, we won't have time to go to the general store."

The family began lifting a dozen sacks of grain from the wagon. Pa needed to sell the grain at the market in town. While they worked, Sally hoped she didn't have to wait for next week's trip to get the fabric for her new dress.

When the wagon was finally empty, Pa helped Ma into the driver's seat. Ma picked up the reins. Then Pa slowly lifted the back of the wagon while Ma snapped the reins gently. The wagon lurched, then rolled easily forward. They reloaded the grain and soon they were on their way again.

At midmorning, they reached the edge of town. Sally saw people strolling along the wooden sidewalks. "Is there time to go to the general store, Pa?" she asked. Then she held her breath.

Pa reached into his pocket and pulled out a watch. He smiled as he answered, "I suppose we can spare a few minutes." Soon Sally was standing in front of racks of brightly colored fabrics. She immediately saw the green fabric she wanted. Before she knew it she was back in the wagon, rolling and bumping toward home.

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