:
Which sentence(s) from the story represent the turning point in the plot?
(1)A sudden knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts.
(2)“I came to replace the window that broke yesterday when it viciously threw itself at your poor, innocent baseball!” the voice continued.
“I came to replace the window that broke yesterday when it viciously threw itself at your poor, innocent baseball!” the voice continued.
(3)“What did you do?” Ernesto insisted. “Did you find a way to have a pet in your house?”
(4) “Wow!” Ernesto exclaimed. “I never thought of working with animals outside of my home, but I’ll bet there are places right here in town where I could volunteer my time.”
:
Windows
(1)Ernesto peered through the pet store window, admiring the impossibly cute guinea pigs scurrying around in their pens. He favored the chocolate brown one the most, and it made a lump rise in his throat to know that he could never purchase it, nor any other animal he wanted.
(2)His mother was allergic to almost everything, especially if it was furry. Her nose would run, her eyes would itch, and she would chain sneeze. As a result, Mama had announced her declaration long ago: “No pets in the home!” She was right, of course, because her health was more important than Ernesto’s desire for a guinea pig. Ernesto sadly returned home where he struggled to accept this disappointing situation.
(3)A sudden knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts.
(4)“Hello! Anybody home?” someone called from behind the door. Ernesto recognized the familiar voice immediately as Jozef’s.
(5)Ernesto had first met the handyman earlier that year. A relative of the landlord, Jozef had arrived from Poland about six months ago to attend college in Atlanta, and he was earning extra money by helping out around the apartment building.
(6)“I came to replace the window that broke yesterday when it viciously threw itself at your poor, innocent baseball!” the voice continued.
(7)“Come on in,” Ernesto laughed, as he opened the door.
(8)Jozef entered the apartment somewhat awkwardly, lugging a toolbox and a new window glass. “What’s up, buddy?” he said, pausing to set down his equipment and ruffle Ernesto’s hair. Ernesto, hoping to discuss his problem, followed Jozef as he walked toward the back porch.
(9)“Nothing much. I was just thinking how terrific it would be to have a guinea pig, but my mom’s allergic to nearly every moving thing on Earth, so she will never allow it.” Ernesto sighed hopelessly and observed as Jozef leaned forward, put on a pair of leather work gloves, and carefully removed the damaged glass from the window.
(10)“Watch out for the broken pieces,” Jozef warned. “The news that your mother is allergic to animals is interesting because my brother is allergic to animals as well. Of course, he’s back in Poland, but I could never have pets at home, either, so it’s sad for both of us.” Jozef picked up the new glass and expertly slid it into the prepared space.
(11)Ernesto asked, “But didn’t you miss having pets at home?”
(12)“Oh, terribly,” Jozef replied as he pushed metal points into the window sash to hold the new glass securely in place.
(13)“What did you do?” Ernesto insisted. “Did you find a way to have a pet in your house?”
(14)“No, not exactly,” Jozef answered. “My parents wouldn’t allow it either because of my brother, but there was a woman in my neighborhood who took in wounded animals and nursed them back to health. She had a special license to do it, and when they were healthy and strong again, she released them back into the wild. So, I went to her and offered to help with their care by cleaning up and feeding them. She agreed, and thanks to her, I guess you could say I had more unique ‘pets’ than any of my friends. I helped care for squirrels, owls, and sometimes even a fox. I realized they weren’t really pets, but I enjoyed having them in my life, even for a little while, and it was very satisfying to know I was helping them, too.”
(15)“Wow!” Ernesto exclaimed. “I never thought of working with animals outside of my home, but I’ll bet there are places right here in town where I could volunteer my time.”
(16)Jozef nodded and said, “There’s the pet shelter, and I think the state of Georgia has a wildlife refuge or animal rescue station near here. If you really want to do that kind of work, I’m sure you can find some group that would appreciate your help.”
(17)Ernesto found his dark mood brightening, and he smiled to himself. He could search online for ideas and then discuss those ideas with his mother. She would surely agree to his plan.
(18)“Thanks, Jozef,” said Ernesto. “You’ve been a real help. What are you studying in college, anyway?”
(19)Jozef laughed. “I’m studying biology now, and when I graduate, I plan to go on to become a veterinarian, a doctor for animals. What else?” Windows
