Darius grew up in this little town. A lot of dogs grew up in this town. But Darius was not like all of the other dogs in this town. Darius was different. While all of the other dogs were outside playing together, Darius preferred to play in his own backyard. The other dogs wondered what Darius was doing back there and why he didn’t want to play with them.

What do you do in your backyard? 

Darius, What is it?

Darius did play with the other dogs from time-to-time, but ONLY if he had finished what he was working on in his backyard. The other dogs did not understand Darius. They began to think that he was different from them. One day, a dog, named Curious, asked Darius what he does in his backyard. Darius became very excited. He was so excited that he began running around circles. “Darius, what is it?” exclaimed Curious.

Well, I have been working on my garden.

It is a place where you grow plants.

What is a garden?

Darius said, “Well, I have been working on my garden.” Curious became confused and asked Darius “What is a garden?” Darius began to explain what a garden is. Darius says “It is a place where you grow plants.” 

Curious still did not understand why Darius needed to work in a garden to grow plants when plants naturally grow.

I feel so proud!

A few weeks go by and Darius’s garden was starting to look good. Most of his plants had already been planted in the garden and they had begun to establish themselves. Darius feels proud of what he has accomplished. He knows that he worked hard and now he can finally start to see his results. Darius only lacks planting a few more plants and then everything will be planted.

I feel very bad. Why are they being mean?

Why are the other dogs mean to me? Do they even like me?

Darius continued to work on his garden for days and even weeks. His garden was looking wonderful, but he was concerned about the other dogs being mean to him. He eventually began to question whether the other dogs liked him.

Today is the day!