The girls were giggling and could hardly contain themselves when we got back in the car. Although we were only about 100 miles from home, they insisted that we stop at the service area for some late afternoon snacks and yet another trip to the bathroom.

After spending some time in the restaurant, the girls asked if they could play near the picnic grove while we enjoyed another cup of coffee. "Just stay where I can see you," I said. "And don't talk to strangers."

Within minutes, they were nowhere in site and I bolted for the door. Looking around the picnic area, I heard a squeal and saw that they were standing by the car and ready to go. We quickly loaded up and left, eager to return home.

We hadn't travelled very far before the girls started to giggle and fuss. "What's going on?" I asked. They stopped silent, but resumed their uncontrollable giggle a few minutes later. "Girls! Tell me what's so funny!

Both stared forward with their hands over their mouths. "It's the kitten," they said. "We found a kitten at the rest stop!"

"What are you talking about?" I asked. "Where were the kittens?"

The girls looked very serious and said, "They were swimming in the water! Someone opened the fire hydrant so they could cool off. You said we should be kind to animals!"