​ Frankie Ortiz had a secret. Each day after school, he would climb into a pine tree and wait for his friends to leave. Then, he would climb down and ride his bike home as fast as he could. As he reached Green Street, Frankie would cross the street. On the other side, a white dog tied in a yard would bark fiercely. Its barking echoed around the neighborhood.

Today’s trip home was a little different. Frankie’s friend, Mike, lived next door to the dog. Today Mike was in his driveway when Frankie rode by. “Frankie, come here!” he called.

When Frankie didn’t stop, Mike got on his own bike and caught up to him. “What do you want?” Frankie asked angrily, hoping Mike would leave him alone.

But Mike didn’t leave. He said, “How come you always go home by yourself?” Frankie stopped his bike to catch his breath. “That dog,” he said quietly.

Mike started to laugh until Frankie glared at him. “Are you scared of that mutt? Snowball’s noisy, but she’s harmless. You just have to get to know her.”

Frankie frowned, but he followed Mike back down the street. The closer they got to Snowball, the louder she barked, and the slower Frankie pedaled. His heart was pounding hard enough to break down a door. He wanted to cry, he wanted to run away, but he was afraid Mike would laugh again.

Frankie watched as Mike knelt on the ground and scratched the dog’s chin. “Hiya, Snowball, you loudmouth furball,” Mike said. Snowball sniffed around Frankie’s legs and then wandered away.

Frankie let out a long sigh and said, “I still don’t like that dog. But let’s ride home together tomorrow.” Mike just smiled.