Fallout (Crank 3)

Is busy. Weird. You’d think everyone

would already be where they’re going

by Christmas morning. I guess blizzards

have a way of messing up travel plans.

I wait inside for Grandpa Bill, who

I haven’t seen in almost a year. He’s

Dad’s dad, and has always been really

good to me. Mom says the amused

look he generally wears has to do

with Dad getting back as good

as he gave Grandpa Bill once

upon a time. Meaning I haven’t

always been the perfect kid. But

hey, no such thing as “perfect,”

right? I’m watching a couple

of not exactly perfect kids right

now, in fact, running around,

screaming and laughing while

their poor mom looks about nuts

as she waits for someone too.

Maybe I don’t want kids. Wonder

if Dad will wear an amused look

someday because I’ll be getting

back as good as I used to give.

I COLLECT GRANDPA BILL

And his small suitcase, load them

into my truck. “We have to pick up

Kristina, too. It’s going to be a little

tight in here.” Sardine-can tight.

The amused look wavers just