Page 119 of Down and Dirty

“Then can we get a dog?”

“I didn’t say that. A dog is a big responsibility.” Especially when they might have to pack up and go on a moment’s notice.

“I’m responsible.”

“You don’t even know what that word means.”

“Are we gonna go to the Thanksgiving dance at the Grange barn on Thursday?”

Great! A diversionary tactic.

“A party in a barn?” Hoo-yah! “Do you wanna go?”

“There’s nothin’ else to do,” Sammy grumbled, then glanced up at him with a crafty gleam in his eye. “’Specially without video games.”

“Forget about the video games. What does a person wear to a dance in a barn?”

“How do I know? I’m just a kid.”

“When it’s a convenient excuse.”

“What does convenient mean?”

“Maybe I should buy us some new clothes?”

“No. You always buy me dorky stuff.”

“I resent that.” He laughed. “What have I bought that’s dorky?”

“Kermit the Frog pajamas with web feet, for a start.”

“It was all they had in your size.”

“A bow tie. When am I ever gonna wear a bow tie?”

“That was your great-grandmother who bought that, not me. Besides, maybe you’ll go to a wedding or something where you have to dress up.”

His little eyebrows arched. “Are you gettin’ married?”

Hardly. “What do you think?”

He shrugged. “You could marry an Eskimo, and we could live in an igloo.”

“And you’re complaining about the cold now. Besides, how many igloos have we seen since we arrived?”

“None. Okay, another dorky thing. The hat with the ear flaps.”

“You’ve got a point there, but they do keep you warm.”

“At least I don’t have to wear those dorky superhero underpants anymore, now that we’re wearin’ long johns.”

They were both quiet then as they returned to their respective work. Zach’s mind had drifted, though, and he logged off the computer. Overall, he should be thankful. They were safe. Sammy accepted him as his father. And they were alive. And someday, he was sure, they’d be able to return to family and friends.

“Sammy… ”

“Oh, no! You’re gonna say somethin’ mushy. I can tell by your voice. It’s all soft and gooey.”

“I love you.”