Crossing the Road by Alan Marshall. Short summary

5 seconds

Two girls and their dog were about to cross the street. When they reached the middle of the sidewalk, a car appeared. The sisters returned to the sidewalk, and their pet was on the other side of the road.

1 minute

The two girls and their dog were about to cross the street. They waited for cars to pass. One of them, Annie, was eight years old. She was holding the hem of her younger sister’s dress.

The older sister warns Macy to stand still until she says «let’s go.» As soon as she allows it, she has to run across the street. Annie takes a step forward and lets Macy’s dress out of her hands.

The younger sister wanted to run out onto the sidewalk, but Annie shouted at her not to move until she gave her permission. When the cars passed, Annie commanded «let’s go.» The whole company walked across the road. They had already reached the middle of the sidewalk when a car appeared.

Annie commands them to go back. The sisters returned to the sidewalk, and the doggie was on the opposite side of the street. She ran to her mistresses, but Annie started yelling for her to go back.

The chauffeur saw the animal, and he braked as hard as he could. Despite his best efforts, the big wheel pushed the doggie. Annie ran to the sidewalk to save the pet.