"How many days old is Stormy?"
"How many ponies will the firemen buy with our money?"
"Will they go wild again on Assateague?"
"Did Grandma get mad at Misty messing in the house?"
"Did Wings live through the storm?"
Grandpa patiently answered each question, with a nod and smile of agreement from Paul and Maureen. With dozens of eager hands still waving for attention, time ran out. The musicians started playing "America, the Beautiful," while Misty and Stormy went down the ramp and up the other aisle this time so that more hands could reach out and touch.
The sun seemed brighter than ever when the little procession reached the door of the theater. Paul and Maureen drew a deep breath. It had been a rousing, heart-lifting performance, and they knew they had never been so happy.
