Ellie’s Bag Handle

Ellie is taking Rabbit to Nana’s house. She puts him in a soft blue bag. “You can ride in here,” she says. Rabbit’s ears stick out.

Ellie holds the top of the bag with both hands. It is hard to carry. Each time she walks, the opening slips through her fingers.

Nana sits beside her. “What would help you hold it?” Ellie looks at Nana’s shopping bag. It has a handle. “One like that!”

They find a wide strip of cloth. Nana sews the ends onto the bag while Ellie watches. The needle stays in Nana’s hands.

Ellie lifts the new handle. The strip is so long that the bag drags on the floor. “Rabbit is having a bumpy ride,” she says.

Nana makes the handle shorter and checks the stitches. Ellie tries again. Now the bag hangs clear of the floor. Rabbit sits snugly inside.

Ellie walks to the door and back. The handle stays in her hand. The bag does not drag. “This is easier,” she tells Nana.

They set off together. Ellie carries Rabbit by the wide handle. “We changed it for you,” she whispers. Rabbit’s long ears bob as they walk.