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Narrative/Descriptive Sample Essay
Where the Danger Is
The weather was cold and gray as usual at this time of year. The trees were all leafless,
with fall now just a memory. Christmas was just a few weeks away, and all the kids were
looking forward to staying home from school for a few weeks and to the “big payoff” on
Christmas morning. Not having to go to school was good, but usually by the time vacation was
over, going to school was a big relief. Back to the friends to compare “loot” from Christmas and,
to reestablish those fragile ties that hold kids together. At school, students were praised for
doing good work, not belittled for each and every mistake. No one there was fighting, and being
too loud was against the rules. Right now, the world outside of home was more safe and
structured, not chaotic, scary and loud. Even when bad things did happen, it was always far
away and nothing to be too concerned about. With Dad often having too much to drink, and
Mom just mad at everyone all the time, being home was not usually a very pleasant experience.
Playing outside in the woods or at a friend’s house was the norm for three of us kids. We
knew everyone that lived on our road, and except for the cranky old people who lived at the
bottom of the hill, everyone was nice to us. In a small rural community, the only thing to be
feared at that time of year was crashing on a sled or frost bite from staying out too long. Unless
something like that happened, the only rule was to be home before dark.
But that weekend morning was different. We were all home, and the day was starting off
rather quietly. None of the kids were arguing, no dogs were barking, and Mom and Dad were
actually talking, not shouting or sniping at each other. Dad was sitting at his spot at the dining
room table, and Mom was in the kitchen starting breakfast. Usually sitting along the table with