Levi’s upside down, feet in the air. He waves one foot at me like it’s a casual hello.
“So,” Sasha starts, “are we having a movie night?”
“With popcorn?” Levi adds, flipping over and immediately falling off the couch.
I take a long, slow look at both of them. “Oh, my little gremlins. I love that you think that’s the plan. I truly do.”
Sasha tilts her head. “Then whatisthe plan?”
“I thought we’d try something different tonight.” I walk toward the kitchen and grab two juice boxes.
“Different how?” Levi asks, climbing back onto the couch.
“I’m glad you asked,” I say, handing them each a juice box and sinking into the armchair. “Tonight, we’re going on a mission.”
Sasha perks up. “What kind of mission?”
“The best kind. Secret mission.”
Levi gasps. “Like spy stuff?”
“Like prank stuff,” I say. “Very important work.”
They both lean in.
“Who’s the target?” Sasha asks.
I lift my chin and point upward.
Levi follows my gaze. “Mr. Thuddy?”
Sasha lights up. “It’s Dr. Thuddy, Levi. The stompy one.”
“Uh-huh,” I confirm. “Exactly.”
Levi claps once. “Are we doing a knock-and-run?”
I hold up my hand for a high five. “That’s my guy.”
They both let out a whoop and sprint into the hallway before I’ve even had a chance to explain the plan.
The mission is on.
∞∞∞
We’re huddled in a loose triangle at the corner of the fourth-floor hallway.
“Alright,” I whisper, glancing at Levi’s shoes, which are on the wrong feet again. “We’ve run two dry drills. Times are good. You’ve got about a six-second window to get there, knock, and get back without being spotted.”
Sasha rolls her eyes. “Please. I’ve been training for this since I was eight.”
She was actually seven when I taught her this game, but now is not the time.
Levi gasps. “Can I knock with both hands?”
“Absolutely not,” Sasha and I say in unison.
He pouts. “Why?”
