That is, if she ever gave
me a chance to talk.
How much did she
really want to know?
Did you do any shopping? I
already got school clothes.
What did you do for the 4th
of July? We went
up to Virginia City.
What day was today? The 10th!
Dad never said a word
about fireworks.
The 4th of July had slipped
on past, with me held
fast in the grip of the monster.
We’re going camping.
Want to come? My mom
said it’s okay. I hate to spend
a whole week, alone
with my parents and little sister.
I told her I’d ask and call later.
My brain needed a rest—not
to mention my left ear.
Kristina could listen
to Sarah talk for hours.
Bree was ready to scream.
At Least I Had the House to Myself
I downed an ampicillin,
splashed peroxide on my
wounded