Grape's Conquest.

Hi, I'm Mintsy's friend Grape!

You may not know this, but last year I was well on my way towards completing my silver Rooster Booster trophy at the Stadium.

Until I had a terrible accident during my last race.  I haven't returned to the Stadium since.

My owner, Mrs. Gumdrops keeps telling me that quitters never win and that I should go to the Stadium and race again.

So early this morning, I got up, took a bath, got dressed, and then headed to the Stadium.

When I arrived, I signed up to race right away.  I didn't want to lose my nerve.

When my name was announced, I confidently stepped up to the start line and waited for my neighbor Cherry to start the race by waving the checkered flag.

When Cherry waved the flag, my opponents took off.  But, I didn't move.  I couldn't move.  I was paralyzed with fear.  All I could think about was falling and hurting myself again.

I felt defeated.  And ashamed.  All of my lovely neighbors had witnessed my failure.  I felt humiliated.  I felt like a loser.

On my way home, I decided to stop at The Mayor's house.  I thought that he might have some words of wisdom to offer.  Surely, he had failed at something due to fear.  Maybe he had some helpful advice to offer me.

He didn't.  Instead, he offered me tea and cake.  And told me that after we were done with our snack, he would race with me at the Stadium.

Once again, I signed up to race.  

This time I was accompanied by The Mayor, and my brother Blueberry.  

Blueberry had heard about what happened earlier today, and came out to support me.

When the flag was waved, my brother grabbed my hand and we ran together.

As I neared the finish line, I could hear my brother cheering me on.  And I realized that he was no longer holding my hand.  I was racing.  On my own.  And I wasn't afraid.  I couldn't help but feel proud. 

About the author:  Grape is a Pet Society blogger.  She writes about her life in Pet Town, weekly themes and current events.  When she is not writing, she hangs out at the Cafe, spends time with her kitty petling Vine, and has playdates with her neighbors.  To find out more about Grape, visit her blog - Purple-ly Goodness.