On Soccer day, Jake discovered where missing socks went. His team
had to wear red socks and one of his was missing. He knew Coach wouldn't
let him play without it.
"Mom, I can't find my other red sock," Jake said.
"I wash what's in the hamper. If it's not in your room, check the
dryer," his mom replied.
Jake hated the basement. It was dark and creepy. The stairs creaked and
the stuff stored in the shadowy corners looked like monsters. But he
really needed that sock, so he gathered his courage and started down the
stairs.
"Mmmm--"
"W-Who's there?" Jake froze mid-step.
"Oh! You scared me! My name's Sassafras. And you are?" A funny
little creature stood by the open dryer. It was a two-foot tall mixture
of animals: a giraffe's head, a lion's mane, and a kangaroo's body.
"I'm Jake. What are you and why are you in my basement?"
"I'm a Snock and I'm eating breakfast."
"You eat breakfast down here?"
"Of course, doesn't everyone?" Sassafras shoved a white sock
in his mouth and began chewing.
"You eat socks?" Jake asked.
"Oh yes, they're best when they're warm from the dryer,"
Sassafras said.
Oh no! Jake's red soccer sock!
"You didn't eat a red one, did you?"
"No, I'm saving it for last. Colored ones are my favorite,"
Sassafras said.
"Please, don't eat that one. I need it."
"You can't share? There are so many socks." Sassafras held
Jake's red sock in his paw.
"It's very important that I have it. Please," Jake begged.
Sassafras looked wistfully at the sock. "I was really looking
forward to eating this."
"How about a different color? Would you trade for a purple
one?"
"Oh, I love purple socks. Are you sure it's no trouble?"
"Stay here. I'll be right back." Jake ran up the stairs two at
a time. He didn't want the Snock to change its mind and eat the red sock
before he got back.
He grabbed a purple sock from the pile of laundry on his mom's bed. Jake
rushed back to the basement. Sassafras was right where he'd left him,
holding his red sock.
"That purple looks tasty," Sassafras said, licking his lips.
"Here you go. May I have the red one, now?" Jake asked.
"Of course." Sassafras traded the red sock for the purple.
"Could you save the red ones for me? I'll trade other colors for
them."
"Sure, I can do that," Sassafras said.
Jake was happy. He wouldn't have to worry about losing his red soccer
socks anymore. "Thanks. I have to go now. Enjoy the rest of your
breakfast."
Sassafras nodded, looking delighted, with his mouth full of purple sock.
Jake went back to his room to finish getting ready and passed his mom in
the hall. She was carrying one purple sock and muttering, "I think
the dryer must eat them."
Jake laughed. His mom wouldn't believe the truth -- the dryer didn't eat
socks, the Snock did.
