Jennifer Li Shotz - Scout: National Hero

MATT DIPPED THE LONG KAYAK PADDLE into the water of the Truckee River and angled it backward, just like his dad had taught him. He felt the familiar resistance as the kayak cut smoothly through the water.

He turned his head to the side and gazed up at the tall rocks that lined the rivers canyon. The stone glowed red and gold in the afternoon sunlight. Matt decided this was the perfect way to spend his twelfth birthdayalone, with just the scrubby trees along the banks, the cool river beneath him, and the warm sun above.

He put his feet up on the seat in front of him and lay back, gazing at the cloudless blue sky. The weather was hot for early springeven for Nevada. Matt had only lived in Silver Valley, a town about twenty minutes east of Reno, for a little over a month, but he already knew he wasnt supposed to be in a T-shirt and shorts at this time of year. Even his mom and older sister said that it was crazy warm. Hed heard on the news that there had been a lot of snow this past winter, and now with the superhot weather, the extra snow was melting faster than usual.

As Matt drifted along on the Truckee, he decided that Nevada was weird but beautiful. He had expected a desert, but there were huge, tall rock formations that looked like they belonged on Mars. Hed expected cactuses, but there were gnarled trees and flowering shrubs. He thought it would be dry, but there was not only the Truckee River but also tons of watering holes and reservoirs all over the place.

Today was the first day Matt had gotten a chance to take his kayak out on the river. His dad had only been in Silver Valley with them for a few days before he was deployed back to Afghanistan, but before he left hed helped Matt build a bike trailer so he could get to the river by himself.

Matt knew he looked sort of ridiculous, pedaling awkwardly and dragging a thirteen-foot kayak behind him, but he didnt care. This was worth it. Plus it wasnt like he was going to run into anyone he knew. Matt wasnt on a first-name basis with any of the kids at his new school yet, even after all these weeks.

He knew he would get around to making friends eventually. But right now, he didnt see much point in trying. If he made friends, hed probably just have to leave them soon anyway.

Besides, hanging by himself was a lot more funor maybe just a lot easier.

Matt felt the strong current of the swollen Truckee beneath him, tugging the kayak along. He barely needed to paddle. The kayak was a narrow, rigid three-seater with a molded top to sit on. He had plenty of room to stretch out and relaxand just float downstream without trying to steer.

There was one important rule Matts dad had repeated a million times when they first started kayaking together: Dont fight the water; work with it. He meant that you had to be flexible, pay attention to what the water was doing, and save your energy for the right move.

Matts phone chirped in his pocket. He ignored it. It chirped again. Then again.

With a groan, Matt pulled it out and squinted at the screen in the bright sunlight. There were four texts from his mom and one from his sister.

Where are you?

Were waiting for you.

Please come home now.

Mom is going to kill you if you dont get home now.

On my way, Matt texted back.

Another rule his dad had drilled into him before he left: Dont ignore your mothers texts.

By Matts count, he and his family had lived in nine states in his twelve years on Earth. Both of his parents were in the military, but this recent move was for his moms job, commanding an Army National Guard base. Who knew how long theyd be here.

His phone dinged again. He couldnt help but grin. His family knew him well.

You said you were leaving.

Matt paddled the kayak to the riverbank and hopped off sideways before it even came to a stop. He dragged the boat up onto the shore and took one last look at the shimmering river before heading home.

Happy birthday, sweetheart!

Happy happy, little brother.

His mom and sister wrapped him in enthusiastic hugs. Behind them, his dads face filled the computer screen.

Happy birthday, buddy! His voice was deep and familiar, even through the laptop speakers. He sounded a lot closer than 8,000 miles away. Matt waved at him, and his dad waved back.

Matt and Bridget both had their dads straight, dark brown hairthough Matt wore his a little shaggy instead of in a crew cut, like his dad. Both kids had their moms lanky frame instead of their dads barrel-chested stockiness. But Matt had gotten his dads piercing blue eyes, which Bridget constantly told him she should have gotten instead of him.

At the moment, the blue eyes on the computer screen looked red-rimmed, with dark circles underneath. Matts dad was in his fatigues, and he hadnt shaved in a day or two. Matt guessed that he must have just come back from patrol.

What time is it there? Matt asked, walking over to the laptop.

His dad checked his watch. Oh one hundred hours.

Oof. Sorry to keep you up, Dad.

His dad grinned. I wouldnt miss this, Matt-o!

Blow out the candles, honey, his mom said, leading him toward the kitchen island.

Matts birthday cake was tilting sharply to one side. Hed just opened his mouth to make a joke about his sisters baking skills when she elbowed him in the ribs.

Dont say a word. Bridget shot him serious side-eye. At seventeen, she could silence him with one look, even though she and Matt were almost the same height now. Hed already grown an inch in the weeks since theyd arrived in Nevada.

Save me a piece of that cake, would you, Matt? his dad said through the computer.

Shouldnt be a problem, Matt said, poking at it with the tip of a knife. It looks like its carbonized already. He turned to Bridget. Uh, I meansure, the cake is uh-maaaazing.

Youre so welcome, Bridget said. Oh waityou didnt actually say thank you, though, did you?

Thank you. Matt put down the knife and punched her lightly in the shoulder. She pinched him in return. Really, thanks, guys. He meant it this time. This is awesome.

Youre welcome, honey. His mom squeezed his shoulders and planted a kiss on the top of his head. She cut the cake, handed them hefty slices, and took one for herself. Lets open some presents, shall we? she mumbled through a mouthful.

His sister handed him a flat package. Matt unwrapped it quickly; it was a new video game that hed been wanting.

Sweet! he said. Thanks, Bridge.

Youre welcome, Stinker.

Matts mom disappeared into another room and Bridget followed. They were in temporary housing, living on the base until they found their own place nearbyalthough as far as Matt could tell, no one had time to look at real estate. His dad certainly couldnt do it from the Middle East, and his mom was working at her new job pretty much around the clock.

Not only was Matts mom running the whole National Guard base, she was also in charge of setting up a new National Guard K-9 unit. It was the first of its kind out west, and it was a big deal. His mom, Colonel Tackett, couldnt mess it up.

Matt had been shocked when his mom sat him down right before Christmas and told him they were moving in January. Her new position had come up quickly. Matt was used to moving, but this time hed barely had time to say good-bye to his friends in Oregon.

And to make it even more stressful, Matts dad was only halfway through a long deployment. Hed been able to take a few days leave to help them move, but he wouldnt be home again for months, until hed completed his mission.