Story 41: The Runaway Son

The Daddy had two little boys who he loved.

One he called Pal and one he called Bud.

Pal went to Daddy and said in a loud voice.

“I want your candy, your games, and all of your toys.”

Daddy said, “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

Pal said, “Of course. Now give it all up.”

So with a sack full of toys and tricks and sweets,

Pal ran away from home and took to the street.

He munched and he played and he laughed til he couldn’t.

For soon Pal felt sick and dirty and alone all the sudden.

By himself, far from home, Pal was hungry and scared.

He asked other people for help, but they didn’t care.

Pal thought about home and Daddy and Bud,

He thought about his bed and a bath to wash off the mud.

Pal said to himself, “I’ll go back to Daddy.”

I’ll tell him, “I made a mistake and I’m sorry.”

“I’ll never ask for candy or toys ever again.”

Pal started toward home, and hoped Daddy would welcome him in.

But from a long way off, from far up the hill

Daddy saw him and dropped everything and let out such a yell.

“I love you, I love you, I love you, my son.”

Daddy ran and he hugged Pal and kissed him a ton.

“I made a mistake and I’m sorry…” Pal started to say.

But Daddy had already lifted him up, up, up and away. 

“Haul out the cake,” Daddy called. “Bring out the ice cream.”

“Let’s have a party with crowns and streamers and cookies with icing.”

Pal was confused. “Daddy, what’s this party about?”

“You were lost,” Daddy said, “and now you are found.”

The celebration took off. The children were laughing.

All except Bud, who felt very unhappy.

“Bud, join the party,” said Daddy. “Pal is back, safe and sound.”

“But Daddy,” Bud cried, “Pal was a bad boy. Why does he get a crown?”

Bud said, “I’ve been good. I’ve been here all along.”

“Why don’t I get a party? I’ve never done anything wrong.”

Daddy smiled big and kneeled down to his son.

“Bud, dearest Bud, it’s a party you want? Every day with me can be one.”

“But your brother was gone, lost, runaway.”

“Now he’s back and we simply must rejoice on this day.”

“Now, come have fun, join your brother and me.”

And all three hugged and then danced, happy as could be.