Asif's Bicycle

On Id, Father gives Asif a large gift with paper covering it. Asif wonders what it is.

He quickly pulls off the paper that covers it. He gasps. It is a green bicycle. ‘This is a beautiful gift. Thank you, Father,’ says Asif.

The green handles of the bicycle shine brightly. There is a bell on one handle. In the front hangs a lamp and a small basket. The seat is red. The tires and pedals are black.

‘You must be careful when you ride it,’ says Father.

‘I am careful,’ says Asif. ‘Can I ride it to school?’

‘No,’ says Father. ‘This is not for riding to school. You may take the bicycle to the park. Ride it on the cycle path there.’

Asif asks, ‘Can I go to the park?’

 Father helps him onto the seat. He gives the bicycle a push. Asif’s feet pump the pedals. The bicycle wobbles but Asif balances it. He rides out into the street to the park.

On the way, three hens are pecking on the street. They are not looking at Asif on the bicycle. He rings the bell. Triing! Triing! Triing!

The hens fly out of his way. Sqwack! Sqwack! Sqwack!

Asif laughs. ‘This is fun,’ he says.

Asif turns into the park. He rides his new bicycle along the cycle path. A man walks ahead. He has two dogs on a leash.

Asif rings the bell. Triiing! ‘Look out!’ He says.

The man and the dogs move away. Asif sails by on his bicycle. The dogs pull at their leash and bark at Asif. Woof! Woof! Woof!

Asif laughs. ‘The dogs want to chase me,’ he says.

 ‘You are not faster than my bicycle,’ He tells them.

The path curves. Asif pedals hard. The green bicycle takes the curve quickly. ‘Wheeee!’Asif shouts.

A squirrel sits on the path. Asif rings the bell. Triiing! The squirrel scampers up a tree. It scolds Asif. Chatter! Chatter! Chatter!

Asif laughs. ‘Look at the squirrel.’ He says.

‘Are you scolding me?’ he asks it.

The cycle path ends. Asif turns his bicycle through the park gates. He heads home. When he is back, he rubs the dust off the green bicycle with a cloth.

‘Did you like riding this bicycle?’ asks Father.

‘I loved riding it,’ says Asif.