Dana's Valley Read Online Free PDF

Dana. Brett laughed it off and tried to pretend he had outgrown the ritual.
    â€œI like Brett because he lets me play with the toy cars he builds.” The truth was, Brett only let Corey have a selected few of his model collection, some of his first attempts. The rest he kept on a very high and guarded shelf above his desk.
    â€œMy turn,” Mom was quick to chime in. “I appreciate what a kind older brother you are, Brett. There are lots of benefits of a larger family, but it’s not always easy. And, Brett, you are consistently kind and polite to your siblings.”
    â€œThat’s two,” I noted.
    We all waited for Daddy to speak next. “I’m proud that you take responsibility and that you are a conscientious worker.” Corey cut in. “Daddy, is that one or two?”
    â€œWe’ll count it as just one.”
    Brett was looking a little red and tried to avoid eye contact with anyone. Dana was ready to add her comment next, a teasing smile playing across her face. “I like you because kids in school like you—and when they hear that you’re my brother they expect to like me too.”
    Brett laughed. “Yeah, until they get to know you.” Immediately he caught himself and squirmed in embarrassment. “Not really, Dana,” he mumbled. But she hadn’t been bothered by his joking.
    It seemed that my turn had rolled around and I hadn’t really thought about what to say. “I like you because …” I began the sentence in hopes that something would pop into my head—and it did—“because you teach me some of your basketball moves. Most brothers wouldn’t do that. I’m glad you do.”
    Mom looked as though she was just about to speak again when Travis cleared his throat. “I like you because you’re the only other guy on the basketball team who believes in God. And it makes me feel better knowing that … that we can kind of look out for each other.”
    Mom waited a moment and then continued the countdown. I’m not sure Brett heard any more of it, though. I guess there’s only so much praise a fifteen-year-old boy can handle.
    Now Brett was ready to dive into the gifts.
    â€œOpen mine, Brett, open mine.” Corey was electric with energy at any type of gathering. And birthday parties—anyone’s birthday party—seemed to make him more excited than anything else.
    â€œAll right, Corey, let’s see.” Brett picked up the wrinkled little package and shook it. “Is it a watch?”
    Corey giggled. “No.”
    â€œIs it … a diamond?” This time the laughter was louder.
    â€œIt’s not an elephant, is it?”
    By now Corey was jumping and clapping. “Open it! Open it, Brett.”
    Brett tore the wrapping off to reveal an odd little blue plastic bag. With a curious glance at Corey, he opened it and out fell two little white cylinders.
    Corey was delighted. “They’re for your ears. They’re ear bugs.” We all chuckled, but Corey hurried on. “So you can stay asleep in our room even if I sleep there too. Momma helped me get them.”
    This time Brett’s gaze searched Mom’s face. She was thoroughly enjoying the surprise.
    â€œYou’re goofy, Corey.” But Brett’s words were softened when he reached out and touched Corey’s shoulder lightly, and Corey grabbed his hand long enough to give it a little squeeze.
    The next gift Brett opened was from Mom and Dad. It was a large, awkward-looking package and was obviously a mystery to Brett. He peeled back a corner and made an odd face. It was a skateboard. It was not what Brett had hinted for. Brett had always been too into basketball to be interested in any other sport.
    Travis jumped right in. “Hey, Brett. That’s great. That’s a super make. Mine’s not nearly as good.”
    Brett cocked his head toward Travis, still looking reluctant to show