The next morning, Freddy woke up and looked out his bedroom window. He could see the rain was still coming down--it seemed even harder than yesterday. He could hardly see across the fields.
Disappointed that his prayer had not been answered, he slowly pulled on his shirt and bib overalls and headed downstairs.
He entered the kitchen and slumped onto a chair at the table.
Ma slid a plate of pancakes and sausages in front of him, ruffled his blond hair and said, "What's the matter, Buddy?"
"I thought the rain was gonna quit last night," Freddy said. "I really thought it would."
"Well, don't be too disappointed," said Pa. "The sheep shearers are going to be here very soon and... I think this year you are tall enough to help me with the wool."
The thought of the dreary rain was completely driven from Freddy's mind by his father's statement.
"Really? Are you kidding?"
"Nope. You've grown over the past year...you can help me carry the bales of wool."
"Pa! thanks!" Freddy shouted.
"Shh," Ma said as she put her finger to her lips. "You two hurry up with breakfast. I have to start fixing the rest of the dinner. We only have a few hours until noontime."