Sam and the Traits of Good Character

Sam heard the steps squeaking as his dad was on his way up. As the door opened, Sam saw his dad with a basket of fruit. “Son,” his dad said. “What has been going on? I’m really concerned. I don’t want you to have a year like we had last year.” Sam answered, “School is just not a place for me. I just never seem to have a good day.” “I’ll tell you what,” his dad said. “You write down on a sheet of paper all of the reasons why you need to go to school, and give it to me when you are finished.” “Okay,” said Sam. “Pick a fruit from this basket and go to bed,” his dad said. “You know, Son, that everything is taken away from you from this point on.” “Yes, sir,” said Sam as he took a banana. Dad left the room, and all of a sudden, Sam heard noises coming from the fruit basket. He looked down and the fruit had eyes, ears, and mouths! Sam couldn’t believe what he was seeing! Sam knew he had to be dreaming, and just couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You, you, you can talk,” Sam said. “Yes, we can talk, Sam! Let us introduce ourselves. We are the Traits of Good Character,” the fruit said.