When they got to the Zimmerman's farm, Jimmy jumped out of the back seat. Tootz was already barking and running in circles around the car. The two dogs touched noses and ran off toward the barn, tongues hanging out and tails wagging.
Mrs. Zimmerman stood on the back porch. Freddy pushed past her and ran down the steps.
"Emmy, you gotta come see what I got!"
"Just a minute," Mama said as she took Emmy's hand. "Come up to the porch and say Hello to Mrs. Zimmerman."
Emmy walked along beside Mama. Freddy scuffed his shoes in the dirt as he followed along.
"Hello, Dora," said Mrs. Zimmerman. "Come on in."
"Hello, Margie. Isn't it a beautiful summer's day?"
They walked into the kitchen. Mama sat her sewing machine down on the floor and looked at Emmy. She nudged her.
"Lo, Mrs. Zimmerman. Nice to see you again."
"Hello, Emmy. Nice to see you too. Freddy has been waiting all morning for you to get here. He has a surprise to show you."
Emmy turned and looked at Freddy, then back to Mama.
"Can I go, Mama?"
"May I?" asked Mama.
"I mean...may I go, Mama?"
"Yes you may."
Freddy and Emmy ran to the back door...
"Just a minute you two," said Mrs. Zimmerman. When you go in the barn, be very careful. Don't be climbing in the hay loft. Don't go in with the horses and don't bother the mother pigs."
"We won't, Ma," yelled Freddy as he grabbed Emmy's hand and ran out the back door.