A good story makes readers wonder what happens next, after the story ends. Students in Greenville wrote about what happened after Big Jens and his crew rescued Taffy.

Of Taffy’s continuing stories, one judge wrote, “These were all very interesting endings. The students did a good job!” Reprinted below are four of the chapters, chosen for their overall high quality. Three of the stories take place just after Taffy is released from the hospital, and the other describes Taffy’s future family. Also published below are excerpts and ideas from other chapters written by students. Thanks to students from Greenville’s Eastern Elementary and Hope Middle School and their teachers, Ms. Broyles and Ms. Roth for sharing their work and encouraging other readers to think beyond the story.

Recovery

Taffy had never been so happy to see the little old shack in her entire life. After two long days in the DF’s sick house, Taffy was anxious to get home. As Big Jen’s jeep pulled closer, Gramp started up. “Now Taffy, just because it’s late and you’re in recovery, doesn’t mean that we shall not honor the Sabbath day and listen to the sermon.�

Taffy smiled in spite of herself. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to listen to the radio sermon. She was so tired that all she wanted to do was sleep.

After what seemed like an eternity, Big Jens pulled up into the sand surrounding Gramp’s and Taffy’s home. Big Jens shot Gramp a look, and Gramp said, “Taffy, why don’t you head on inside and start up a pot of coffee. Me and Big Jen here are just going to discuss your condition.â€? Taffy nodded obediently and slid down from the jeep, with Brandy on her tail. The way Gramp and Big Jen waited for her to go before they started to talk, Taffy suspected that it wasn’t just her health they were talking about, but she was just too tired to do any snooping today, so she opened the door to the shack and walked in. (more…)