Jasmine’s Big Idea

Keiko’s Surprise

Next Friday, Jasmine sits down for lunch in the cafeteria with her best friends. She mentioned to them earlier that Madison would be helping with the carnival, and they were both excited. Sofia is sure she’ll have great ideas. Keiko says that she’s been working on sketches for the WANTED posters. Jasmine invites the two of them over to her house the next morning before volunteering at the shelter. They can work on the posters and decorations.

Keiko and Sofia glance at each other, and tell Jasmine they actually don’t need a ride. Jasmine’s disappointed. She asks if they’re backing out of the carnival. Sofia cries that they still want to help. Keiko whispers to Sofia that she knew Jasmine would know something was up. Keiko is terrible at surprises. Jasmine perks up. Surprise? Sofia giggles, and says that Keiko’s said enough. Jasmine will find out tomorrow. Keiko pats Jasmine’s hand—it’ll be worth the wait.

The next morning, Jasmine prepares herself for the surprise before she and her mom go into the shelter. What are her friends up to? Have they swapped outfits again? Had Keiko drawn a portrait of Cookie?

But when they go into the shelter, they find it completely empty. No, Sofia, no Keiko. Even Mrs. Wallace is gone. Then, they hear applause coming from the backyard. Jasmine and Dr. Arroyo go outside to see someone leading Sadie around the yard. That someone is Keiko!

Keiko, the girl who usually cringes when around even adorable puppies, was holding Sadie’s leash. Her grip is so tight Jasmine can see the whites of her knuckles, but she has a triumphant smile on her face. Jasmine peers around to see Sofia, Mrs. Wallace, and Madison standing on the far side of the courtyard.

With each lap Keiko makes, Madison shoots two thumbs up, and calls encouraging words. On the third lap, Keiko notices Jasmine, and exclaims that she’s walking the biggest dog at the shelter.

Jasmine cheers, but is confused, too. When did Keiko decide to do this? This is a big deal for Keiko, but why had she told Sofia and Madison but not Jasmine? Then, Keiko hands the leash to Mrs. Wallace and runs over to hug Jasmine. Keiko explains that she knew how much Jasmine wanted her to get over her fear of dogs, so they thought they’d surprise Jasmine by conquering her fear. Jasmine stammers that it’s wonderful. She’s surprised, but it’s wonderful.

Keiko says she told Madison about her fear of dogs at art class. And then Madison explained how Jasmine helped her walk Frankie. Madison also mentioned that older dogs are much calmer and gentler, and she encouraged Keiko to try it. Madison walks over to join them, and gives Keiko a high five.

Apparently Keiko and Madison have been meeting at the shelter throughout the week to practice so Keiko could impress Jasmine. And Sofia has been her personal canine cheerleader! Jasmine forces a smile on her face. She’s happy for Keiko, but she can’t help but feel like a deflated balloon. She thought she’d be the one to help Keiko conquer her fear.

But as Jasmine kneels to give Sadie a hug, she takes a deep breath, and realizes that it doesn’t matter who helped Keiko. The important thing was that she’s done it. She couldn’t have asked for a more amazing surprise.