Simon handed Dave the piece of paper which he accepted. It was a note from Alvin explaining his departure.

Dear Simon, Theodore, and Dave,

I have decided to leave because I don't think I should've been grounded just because I threw a party. Take care, all, for I shall miss you even though I won't miss getting punished for throwing parties without permission.

Alvin

"I can't believe Alvin ran away because I grounded him," Dave said angrily.

"We have to find him," Theodore said.

"When we do, Alvin will grounded further," Dave said angrily.

"I have a better idea," Simon said.

Dave and Theodore listened to Simon's idea without interrupting. They agreed to go for it.

Alvin was in a treehouse in the park. He had just finished unpacking and setting up the place to his liking.

"What a great place," Alvin said. "Now I'll never get in trouble for throwing parties again."

Just then, there was a knock. Alvin went over to the door and saw that it was Simon, Theodore, and Dave. He noticed that Simon was carrying a suitcase and Theodore was carrying a food bag. Alvin decided to let his family in.

"We got your note so we decided to bring some stuff for you," Dave said.

"I brought you some food and water," Theodore said, putting the food bag on the floor.

"I packed some clothes and personal hygiene equipment that you'll be needing," Simon said, setting the suitcase on the floor.

Alvin couldn't believe that his family was OK with him leaving. He was expecting them to be really angry-especially Dave.

"Take care, Alvin," Simon said.

"Don't forget about us," Theodore said.

"We'll see you, Alvin," Dave said.

Simon, Theodore, and Dave headed for the door. For some reason, Alvin suddenly felt the urge to go home.

"WAIT!" Alvin burst out. "Don't leave me here alone in this treehouse."

"You really want to come back even after I grounded you?" Dave asked.

"Yes," Alvin replied.

Alvin ran over to Dave and the two of them threw their arms around each other. Simon and Theodore also joined in.

"Welcome back, Alvin," Simon said.

"We would've missed you if you really stayed here," Theodore said.

"Same here, Theodore," Alvin said.

After arriving home, Simon and Theodore headed for their bedroom. Dave had Alvin go into the living room so they could talk.

"Alvin, that was a very dangerous thing you did," Dave said. "What if something had happened to you?"

"I'm sorry, Dave," Alvin apologized. "I was just angry about being grounded."

"Since you ran away, I have to ground you for 2 more weeks. This time you have to stay in the house except for school and no after school activities for those 2 weeks."

"So I'm not restricted to my bedroom?"

"No, just the house."

"Will I get time off for good behavior?"

"We'll see."

"Can I go now?"

"All right but don't leave the house."

Alvin dashed out of the living room and headed for his bedroom. He decided that from then on, he would never throw a party without permission again.

The End