Nancy's First Interview

Nancy poured herself a bowl of cornflakes as her father finished a telephone call. “You’re really putting me on the spot,” he said to the person at the other end of the line. “I already have a commitment today, Jim.” After a few moments, Mr. Jenson sighed and hung up the telephone. Nancy looked up from her breakfast, preparing for bad news.

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Nancy shrugged, trying not to look too upset. She wished she could do something to comfort her dad. The last thing she wanted was to make him feel guilty. “It’s okay, Dad,” she said, forcing a cheerful smile. “The worst part is that our photographers are on other assignments,” he grumbled, shaking his head. He paused for a moment, lost in thought.

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“Nancy,” he said, “do you remember when I showed you how to use my camera?” She nodded. “Do you think you could help me today? I can’t carry all of the equipment by myself, and we’d get to spend some time together.”

Why does Nancy's dad need Nancy to help him?

Nancy jumped up from her chair and ran to her bedroom to change out of her fishing clothes. “Make tracks,” her dad called down the hallway. “We’re in a hurry!”

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Mr. Jenson started the interview. “What brought you folks to California?” he asked, opening his notebook. “Work,” Mr. Carter said. He explained that they had owned a farm in Oklahoma, but lost it when costs rose. “Upkeep cost an arm and a leg, and the drought killed our chances of a good crop.”

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After the interview, Nancy’s father helped her set up the camera so she could take a few photos. Mr. Carter nodded at her and said, “You’ve got a good little reporter there.” Mr. Jenson grinned and ruffled Nancy’s hair. “I taught her everything she knows,” he said. “She’s a chip off the old block.”

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