Hush, Now

We had to make it past the evil one-eyed glare of the T.V., and were so elated by success that we simply had to take turns back and forth again. Someone had a gun wrapped in a towel and he shot it parallel across the screen. Gary dodged and didn't make it; he rolled onto the carpet, clinging two hands to his heart and laughing.

"Shut up shut up you little pukes why can't you just shut up!" she yelled, but it was a funny yell, all gravel and a little bit of fire crackle. I laughed but Gary didn't.

"Sorry, Grandma."

"Just go play somewhere else quiet."

They decided that at each house, someone new could tell the story. I stood in the back through Aron's and Gary's versions, waved goodbye, and saw them tomorrow. I was the last person dropped off; Benj came in with me.

"Guess what, Auntie," he gushed at my Mom then pointed at me. "Your turn, man."

"Shut up, Benj."