Rosie and the Stranger #3

So, readers/listeners, here is my ending to Rosie and the Stranger. I'm still not happy with my temporary title and would appreciate more suggestions. I also think my ending needs something...it seems too forced. I look forward to your suggestions and advice. If you'd rather not comment directly on this page, then please e-mail me at joannflammer.@aol.com. I will respond. Thanks for following me on this journey. JoAnn

Part 3   

    "Come closer, child," urges Jay Wolf in a high squeaky voice. Rosie takes two baby-steps toward the big bed.

    "Granny Jane, your ears look so big," she blurts out.

    "The better to hear you with, my dear," says Jay Wolf, clutching the flowered quilt up tight to his chin. "Come closer, child."

    Rosie edges closer to the bed.

    "But, Granny Jane, your eyes are so big," Rosie cries out.    

    "The better to see you with, my pretty," whimpers Jay Wolf, beckoning Rosie closer with his big, hairy finger.

    Rosie steps next to the bed and looks down at Jay Wolf.

    "Granny Jane, why are your hands are so-o-o big and hairy!”

    "The better to get you with," roars Jay Wolf as he springs from the bed and grabs Rosie.

    Rosie's head falls back and she looks up at Jay Wolf’s sharp teeth. Someone knocks three times on the front door. Rosie screams. Bam! The front door bursts open and slams against the wall. Mr. Brown’s big, black German Shepherd charges into the bedroom. It leaps at Jay Wolf, growling and snapping. Jay Wolf drops Rosie. She tumbles onto the floor and lands against the closet door.

    "Hold him, Bandit," shouts Mr. Brown reaching for the telephone. He presses 9-1-1.

    Rosie hears a muffled groan. She stands up and slides the closet door open. Granny Jane is lying on the floor of the closet, holding her head. Rosie helps her up and hugs her tight.

    Within minutes, three police cars and an ambulance, sirens blaring, pull up in front of Granny Jane's. Policemen run into the bedroom and handcuff Jay Wolf.

    “We’ve been looking for this big, bad wolf,” says a policeman. They put him in a police car and take him off to jail. The EMT checks out Granny Jane's head and says she is fine.

    Rosie looks at the big, black German Shepherd.

    "Bandit saved my life," she tells Granny Jane.

    Rosie reaches out to pet Bandit with her hand, but she is not sure what the dog will do.

    Mr. Brown stands next to Bandit. "Go ahead. Pet him," he says.    

    Rosie strokes the soft fur on Bandit's head. Bandit lowers his head for more. Mr. Brown holds up the basket of muffins.

    "Is this yours?" he asks Rosie.

    "Yes," she murmurs. "I’m sorry I went into your orchard."

    Everyone turns as Mom hobbles in, out of breath.

    "What happened?" she asks, limping over to embrace Rosie and Granny Jane.

    "We'll explain everything over tea and muffins," says Mr. Brown. He herds everyone into the kitchen and puts the kettle on the stove to heat. The four of them sit down to muffins and tea.

    “I hope you’ve learned something today, Rosie,” Mom says after hearing the whole story.

    “Oh, yes, Mom,” Rosie says. She moves to stand next to her mother. “A stranger is someone I’ve never met before, no matter how nice he is to me.” She gives Mom a big hug.  “I should have listened to you and gone straight to Granny Jane’s house.”

    Mom hugs her back happy that Mr. Brown and his big, black, German Shepherd saved the day.

Looking forward to your input.