The Upside-Down Day by Beverly Lewis

ONE
    School Spirit Day was coming to Blossom Hill School.
    â€œWe’re going to have so much fun,” said Abby Hunter. She and her friend Stacy Henry hurried down the cul-de-sac together.
    Stacy grinned. “I’ve got lots of school spirit,” she said.
    â€œRemember the fun we had last year?” said Abby.
    â€œSure do,” Stacy said, skipping along.
    â€œThe teachers did real silly things,” Abby said.
    â€œI wonder what Miss Hershey will do,” Stacy said.
    Abby was sure Miss Hershey would make things interesting. “I can’t wait to find out,” she replied.

    The Cul-de-sac Kids walked to school together every day. Rain or shine.
    But today, something was different.
    Abby noticed a girl sitting on Dunkum Mifflin’s porch swing. She had long, brown hair. Her eyes were closed, and a golden Labrador dog sat nearby. “Who’s that?” Abby whispered to Stacy.
    Stacy shook her head. “I’ve never seen her before.”
    Abby wondered. “Is she asleep on Dunkum’s porch?” she asked more softly.
    â€œI can’t tell if she’s asleep or not,” Stacy replied.
    Abby inched closer. “Hello?” she called to the girl.
    â€œHello, yourself,” the girl said. But her eyes were still closed. “You’re Abby Hunter, right?”
    How does she know? Abby wondered.

    â€œWow! How did you DO that?” Stacy blurted out.
    The girl’s eyes opened, but they stared straight ahead. “Dunkum said you’d show up soon. That’s how.”
    Abby looked at the girl. She looked at the dog. She looked back at the girl. She’s blind , Abby decided. And whoever she is, she knows Dunkum. But . . . she can’t see .
    â€œWhat’s your name?” asked Abby.
    â€œEllen Mifflin. I’m Dunkum’s cousin. This is my guide dog, Honey.”
    â€œSo . . . are you visiting Dunkum?” Abby asked.
    â€œI’m staying for a couple of months. My dad is overseas with his job.”
    â€œHey, that’s great,” Abby said. “We need more girls in the Cul-de-sac Kids club.”
    â€œSure do!” agreed Stacy.
    â€œWhat’s a Cul-de-sac Kids club?” asked Ellen.
    â€œWell, we live on a cul-de-sac. So we have a Cul-de-sac Kids club,” Abby explained.
    â€œSounds like fun,” said Ellen. “How many girls?”
    â€œCounting you, there are five. You, me, my sister, Carly, Dee Dee Winters, and Stacy Henry.” Abby pulled her friend closer. “Stacy’s right here beside me.”
    â€œHi, Stacy,” said Ellen with a smile.
    â€œWelcome to Blossom Hill Lane,” Stacy said.
    Just then, Dunkum leaped out the door. He aimed his basketball at the hoop. He shot. Swish . Right through!
    â€œHi, Abby and Stacy. Did you meet my cousin?” He dribbled the ball behind his back. He loved to show off.
    â€œSure did,” Abby said. “Why didn’t you tell us she was coming?”
    â€œYou needed another mystery to solve,” Dunkum said.
    Abby grinned. Dunkum knew she liked a good mystery.
    â€œSpeaking of mysteries, are you finished reading Mystery History yet?” Abby asked Dunkum.
    â€œIs that all you care about—readingand writing?” Dunkum teased.
    â€œThat, and solving mysteries—don’t forget!” Abby added. “So did you finish my book or not?”
    â€œYep, I’ll go get it for you.” Dunkum disappeared into the house.
    Ellen giggled. “Dunkum forgets stuff. I bet he even forgot to tell you I was coming.”
    The girls laughed. Ellen was right.
    In a flash, Dunkum was back with Abby’s book.
    Just then, down the street someone hollered, “Wait for us!”
    Abby turned to look. The rest of the Cul-de-sac Kids were on their way.
    â€œHere come the rest of the kids,” said Abby.
    Abby’s little sister, Carly, and little brother Jimmy ran down the sidewalk.