Andie Gets A Gun

Summary

Andie, a child with a history of cruelty to animals, receives a pellet gun but is unable to use it due to a toothache and subsequent mysterious disappearance, while his intended target, Chester, lives a peaceful life thereafter.

Abstract

Andrew, known as Andie to his parents, was a child with a penchant for harming animals, including spiders, squirrels, and particularly Chester, who had suffered significant injuries. His parents unexpectedly gift him a Daisy Red Ryder pellet gun, which he promises to use solely for target practice on tin cans, all the while taunting Chester. However, Andie's plans are thwarted when he develops a toothache and is taken to a dentist with an intimidating drill-like machine. After biting the dentist, Andie vanishes, never to use his gun, while Chester enjoys a tranquil old age. The narrative concludes with a quote on inflation and a seemingly unrelated score of 84-82.

Opinions

The author likely disapproves of Andie's behavior, as indicated by the detailed description of his cruel actions towards animals.
The parents' decision to give Andie a gun despite his history is portrayed as questionable and potentially irresponsible.
The dentist is characterized as fear-inducing to children, with his strange, blender-like machine.
The story takes a dark

But never gets to use it

source JeepersMedia flickr creative commons

Andrew, as his parents called him, liked pulling the legs off spiders. He liked throwing stones at squirrels and he especially enjoyed torturing Chester.

One day Andie’s parents gave him a gun. A shiny, brand new, Daisy Red Ryder pellet gun.

He promised solemnly only to shoot at tin cans. All the while smiling slyly at Chester.

Poor Chester had developed a limp recently. He has been blinded in one eye and his fur had somehow gotten badly singed.

But do not fret gentle reader. There is happy ending to our tale..

Before he had a chance to use the gun. Andie got a toothache.

His parents took him to The Dentist.

The Dentist has a strange machine. It is a very large glass cylinder with sharp blades. It resembles an oversized kitchen blender.

Andie did not like The Dentist.

He bit The Dentist on the hand.

The Dentist told Andie’s parents that Andie was afraid of the drill and that he had leapt out of the chair and ran away.

Andie never got to play with his gun. He was never seen again.

Chester lived peacefully to a ripe old age

And The Dentist’s brother-in-law who owns a Polish restaurant continues to serve a nice meaty borscht.

Jim McAulay🍁 says “The definition of inflation is: paying today’s prices with last year’s salary.”

84–82