Hot Flames

Ava stomped off the bus and to the front door where her mom was waiting.

"I hate Mrs. Larson!"

"You hate her?" Mom asked as she opened the front door. "Those are some strong words. What happened?"

"Well, I forgot to do my homework, so Mrs. Larson took points away from the whole class and we couldn't watch a movie today because we didn't have enough behavior points. Then everyone was mad at me! I wish she would get hit by a bus!"

Her mom gave her a stern look, but then changed the subject. "Ava, come into the kitchen with me." Mom walked over to the gas stove and turned on the flame. "Do you remember when we cooked together last week?"

"Of course! We made pasta on the stove, and it was so good!"

"Do you remember what I said about being careful around the gas stove?"

Ava thought for a moment. "You said I had to be careful--that fire was good for cooking, but it was also dangerous."

"Yes. I think your feelings right now are a bit like the stove."

"What do you mean?"

"We