That afternoon, as Danny and I were painting the last section of fence, Mrs. Klemmer pulled up in her car and came to a stop.  

"Well, I see you have a helper, Emma," she said.  

"Yep," I said, "and a mighty good one at that.   "We almost got the whole fence painted."  

I stood up on tip-toes so I could see into the back seat.   Ellen was wiping her eyes.  

"What's the matter with her?" I asked.  

"Oh poor Ellen got sunburned while swimming at the Baxter's pool.   We had to come back early because she isn't feeling well."  

I waved at Ellen as her mother started driving away.   She didn't wave back.   I guess her arm hurt too much from the sunburn.  

"She should have helped us out today," said Danny.   "We didn't get sunburned."  

I had to laugh out loud at that comment.