Left Behind by Laurie Halse Anderson Page B

them?”
    â€œOf course,” Maggie says. “Though you know it’s totally natural to be scared. Big animals can be dangerous, especially when they’re hurt or ill. Even my grandmother gets nervous sometimes. The main thing is to focus on what you can do to help.”
    Brenna nods in agreement, and I smile. Getting my fear out in the open—and hearing that it’s all part of the job—makes me feel so much better.
    â€œOne more thing,” I add. “About cross-country, I’m going to need to think about it,” I tell them. “I’m not going to try out for the team just to be nice, or just because you think I should. I’m only going to do it if I decide I want to.”
    Now it’s Maggie’s turn to smile. “That’s the spirit,” she says.
    â€œHey, you know what we should do right now?” Brenna says. “Make that list of kitten names.”
    â€œToo late,” I say. “I have already figured out what I’m going to call my kitten.”
    â€œTell us,” Brenna says.
    â€œI’m naming her after the sweetest cat I ever knew,” I say. “I’m naming her Lucy.”
    It’s the perfect name—we all agree—as we walk back inside the place where we all belong: Dr. Mac’s Place.