Vinnie and Mandy were glad when the twins left.
But two minutes later, Mom brought bad news.
"Get changed," Mom said excitedly.
"We're going to an art gallery!"
"What?" Vinnie and Mandy said together.
"It's at the college," said Mom.
"It'll be a good experience for you."
"But, Mom . . . ," Mandy cried.
"I don't want to go," said Vinnie.
Mom gave them a long stare.
The children knew what that meant.
Vinnie and Mandy went up the stairs, dragging their feet.
"I can't believe this.
I don't want to go to a boring art gallery," said Vinnie.
"Well, it might be fun,"
said Mandy, trying to sound cheerful.
The children reluctantly went to their bedrooms to get dressed.
Vinnie was combing his hair in front of the mirror when Mandy knocked on his door.
"Are you ready?"
she asked when he opened the door.
Vinnie quickly pulled her into his room.
"Hey, we have some time," he said.
"Why don't we go on a trip before leaving?"
"Okay, then at least something exciting will happen this afternoon," agreed Mandy.
The children ran up to the attic.
The album was still on the bookshelf.
"Open it!" urged Vinnie.
"Kids! We're leaving in one minute!" shouted Mom.
Mandy opened the album.
In the next photo, the old man was standing with some people beside a table.
On the table was an object that looked like a little tree.
But all the branches formed a perfect egg shape.
Light glowed from inside an opening at the top.
"What's that? Is it a tree or an egg?" whispered Mandy.
"I'm not going to call you again!"
They heard Mom's footsteps on the stairs.
She did not sound happy.
Vinnie and Mandy looked at each other.
Mom's footsteps got closer.
Just as she flung open the attic door, Vinnie and Mandy started down the dark tunnel.
The last thing they saw was their mom standing in the doorway, looking stunned.
Mandy fell first.
She landed hard on a wooden surface.
Vinnie fell nearby.
They were in a large space with thick, dark curtains in front of them.
Behind them was beautifully painted scenery.
Through a small opening where the curtains met, the children could see bright lights.
They heard loud clapping.
"It's so noisy!" shouted Vinnie.
He peeked between the curtains.
"Uh-oh!" he cried.
The applause got louder, and suddenly, the curtain began to open.
Vinnie and Mandy were on a stage!
Vinnie grabbed his sister's hand and quickly dragged her to the side of the stage.
Loud applause broke out.
"Bravo! Bravo!" the audience cheered.
Vinnie and Mandy watched the opening curtain.
The crowd was standing up, shouting and clapping.
A beautiful dancer was at the front of the stage, bowing and blowing kisses.
The audience was throwing roses at their favorite ballerina.