*This is an entry in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Valentiny Writing Contest – a 214 word story for kids incorporating the theme of guilt! Thanks for the opportunity Susanna 
Pablo was a practical joker about to meet his match…
He was hiding in the garbage when Polly came pecking.
BOO!
Poor Polly lost a few feathers!
‘Hmmph!’ she thought. ‘This guy needs taking down a peg or two.’
So, when Pablo noticed an attractive pigeon – mysteriously submerged in the lake – Polly had an idea.
‘Why hello there,’ said Pablo, plumping his feathers. ‘You’re a pretty thing!’
From behind a tree, Polly projected her voice. ‘Coo! So are you!’
Pablo returned to the lake again.
‘Why don’t you come to the shore my love?’ he asked.
‘I need to cool off,’ said Polly. A couple of her feathers fell out.
The next day Pablo paced beside the lake – as did his beloved.
‘Beautiful bird,’ he cooed. ‘Will you be my Valentine?’
Polly’s grin slipped. A few more feathers fell out. Her tummy flipped over.
Pablo waded into the water.
‘No!’ Polly cried and flew in front of him, ‘Pablo, it was me. I’m your Valentine!’
‘What?’
By now, only Pablo’s head was above water.
‘The bird you saw – it was a reflection, silly!’
Polly flew to shore and returned with a stick in her beak.
‘Grab this!’
Safely on shore, Pablo’s eyelids flickered.
‘Forgive me?’ begged Polly.
‘Coo!’ said Pablo. ‘Fancy some hot chips?’
