Duncan Takes a Vacation

Chapter 2

             
          Ah, Sweet Vacation!  That was all I was able to think about for the next few days.  I admit that I needed a vacation, and so did my family - only they didn't know it yet.  I planned a campaign to help push the idea and make it sound like it was their idea instead of mine. 

          My first plan was to make a simple program on Dad's computer.  This was very easy for me because I would always watch him work at night, and being a quick learner, I was able to understand how to do it.  So while Dad was at work, I made my way into his den and planted the seed into the computer.  (Not birdseed, an idea.) 

          He would have been proud of me if he saw me pecking at the keys with my beak.  The computer would print "THINK VACATION" on the screen when he turned it on.  Not bad for a featherhead like me.  There are some people that don't even know how to turn on a computer, never mind program it.  Well, that night, Dad went into his den to do some work.  When he turned it on, the computer did just what I expected.  He was confused about how those words "THINK VACATION" got onto his screen. 

          He shouted into the kitchen to ask Mom and Jimmy if they were using the computer that day.  Neither one knew anything about it.  Suddenly, he noticed a feather stuck to his keyboard.  He picked it up between his fingers, stared at it a minute, scratched his head and said, "No, it couldn't be him."             

          To further convince Mom and Dad we needed a vacation, that night I was able to open the door to my cage after everyone had gone to bed.  I flew upstairs to Mom and Dad's bedroom.  They were sleeping soundly and didn't hear me enter.  I landed softly on the head of their bed, and ever so gently whispered, "We need a vacation," into their ears.  I continued to do this for a few minutes until I was sure the idea was beginning to grow inside them. 

          The next morning I overheard them talking at the breakfast table.  Guess what they were discussing?  I wonder how they got the idea about going on a vacation?  I'll never tell. 

        They spoke for at least an hour and debated over where they should go. Both Mom and Dad agreed that most places would be very expensive, so it was decided we would visit our out of state relatives.  This way they would not have any motel expenses and could visit relatives at the same time.  This sounded great to me, but which relatives were we going to visit?

 

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1.  What were 2 things Duncan did to persuade his family they needed a vacation?

2.  Why did Dad think Duncan might have been responsible for writing a message on the computer?

3. What were Mom and Dad discussing at the breakfast table?

4. Who did Mom and Dad decide to visit on vacation?