Zoo Chaos

by - Anooshka Sen (age 8)

“Honey, wake up please,” whispered Lily’s mom, as she gently shook Lily. Lily’s eyes twitched, as she woke up.

“Lily, wake up!” A familiar voice yelled. Lily looked up, it was Jack, Lily's little brother. Jack jumped on her like he was a rabbit. Jack looked up at Lily and started to pull Lily’s blonde hair.

“Don’t pull my hair!” Lily said sharply, as she pulled her hair out of his hands.

“Happy birthday! “ Lily’s mom exclaimed. Lily looked at her confused.

“It's your birthday!” croaked jack, jumping off the bed, “Well, Happy birthday,”

“You two, get ready and go downstairs for breakfast,” Lily’s mom announced” I will get Zoe ready.” Lily sat up and got out of bed. She threw on some clothes, brushed her hair and her teeth and went downstairs.

“Lily, could you tell Jack to hurry up” Lily’s mom exclaimed and she cracked an egg. It splattered everywhere.

Lily finished her, and went back upstairs to Jack's room.

“Hurry up, Jack!” Lily yelled at the door. The door opened and Jack came out. They stared at each other for long, silent moments.

“Where's Zoe?” Jack asked, looking at Zoe’s door. They both walked over to Zoe’s room as Jack opened the door, Lily saw Zoe on the bed asleep, ready to go out. Lily walks over and shakes her softly. Zoe twitched her eyes and groaned at Lily. Lily picked her up and put her on her feet. They walked out of Zoe’s room and went down the stairs. Lily saw her dad already eating, as her mom put three plates of breakfast on the table. Lily sat down at the table and started to eat as well. After they finished breakfast, they went to the car.

“Where are we going?” Lily asked, as her dad started up the car. Lily’s Dad pulled the car out of the driveway.

“To the zoo for your birthday,” replied Lily’s mom as they drove down the street. 30 minutes later, they arrived at the Zoo. Lily couldn't see much because there were tables lined up with people behind as they checked bags. They went through the narrow pathway, Lily’s mom put down her bag and they scanned it. Lily’s family went ahead, Zoe ran over to the first animal she saw like she was being chased by a tiger. Jack followed behind her as Zoe was jumping up and down at the sight of the animal, Lily looked up at Zoe and walked over to Zoe and Jack; as she got closer she saw what they were staring at. It was a monkey jumping from branch to branch. Jack’s face seemed to be covered in disinterest as he stared at the monkey and Zoe.

“Why can’t we see the tigers and lions!”, Jack whined, ”instead of monkeys”!

“Why will we get there?” answered Lily’s mom. Time passed by, as Lily and her family visited some animals. Jack was whining and begging that they had to see the tigers and the lions.

“Lily!” Jack shouted, tugging her hand hard.

“What!” Lily responded by pulling her hand out of Jack's grip. “What do you want from me?”

“Please, can we see the lions and tigers?” Jack shouted, pulling on Lily’s hand.

“Asking me won’t help you” Lily exclaimed.

“Where’s Zoe!” Lily exclaimed as she looked around for Zoe.

“Over there,” answered Jack pointing at a random spot.

“You don’t even know where she is!” called Lily. She started running like a Cheetah.

“Lily, wait!” Lily's mom called after her. Lily’s mom started running after her. Lily looked around as she thought of the animals Zoe would want to see, but Lily couldn’t think right, it seemed that her thoughts were flying out from where they belonged. She hurried up the path until she had found herself lost. She had no idea where she was going.

“ZOE!” she called out and she stopped walking. She looked around for a reply but there was no answer. Lily sat down on a bench, panting. As soon as she got her breath, she jumped up and started running again. Lily stopped again, she felt like she was going in circles. She felt like she was lost.

“ZOE!” she called out again helplessly.

‘Lily!” a distinct voice yelled. Lily looked around. Maybe, it was Zoe.

“Lily!” the voice yelled again, this time louder. Lily looked around again, she saw no one there. Suddenly a figure appeared, It was Mary’s mom.

“Lily!” cried her mom running to her,” I have been looking everywhere, don’t run away like that!”

“What about Zoe?” asked Lily, as they walked together. “I have a feeling she’s looking at the Penguins!” responded Lily’s mom. Lily’s mom took out a brochure and unfolded it.

“If we are at the Elephants, we take a…” Lily’s mom started at the brochure '' We take a left and the other left.”

The two walked to the Penguins and when they reached there, they saw a happy toddler jumping up and down as she stared at the animals.

“Zoe!” cried Lily’s mom, and she ran up to Zoe. Lily followed her behind and grabbed Zoe’s hand.

“Now we need to find Jack and your father!” Lily’s mom exclaimed.

“I’m sure dad took Jack to see the Lions!” Lily pointed out.

“That’s not far from here!” reposed Lily’s mom looking at the brochure. They walked over to the lions and saw Jack and Lily’s dad. Lily’s mom waved at them and walked toward them.

“Can we go home?” asked Lily.

“Ok” responded Lily’s mom “ We had a long day!”

A