Dandelions

"I can't believe it! I studied hard for that history test, and I only got a B!" Tami said as she and her mother walked Chestnut, their shaggy brown Yorkshire Terrier. "But Jade said Betty cheated and got an A. It's not fair!"

"Jade caught Betty cheating?" Mom asked.

"I don't think she saw it happen, but Jade hears about everything. It must be true because Betty never gets A's."

They stopped to let Chestnut sniff the ground. Chestnut pulled the leash toward a cluster of white spheres anchored in the grass. They were dandelion seed heads. Tami picked a feathery globe and blew the seeds until only a bare stem remained.

"Look how far the seeds are traveling!" she exclaimed.

As Chestnut chased the flying seeds, Mom asked, "Do you know what happens when they land?"

"They will grow into yellow dandelions--pretty weeds!"

Mom nodded. "Isn't it amazing? Those seeds look delicate, but they hold so much power--just like words that start gossip."

"I know what you're going to say, Mom--goss