Varnish

Tuesday, September 2nd
The two boys who passed out yesterday were not in class today. Our homeroom teacher told us they suspected the boys had inhaled too much varnish in wood shop and that they had been sent to a hospital within the safety net until they recovered. Kylie invited me to sleep at her house Friday night. I told her I’d have to ask my parents. I’d like to spend time with her, but I can’t get the image of her father cracking the lobster claws, his face red and swollen with anger, out of my head.

After dinner
Wouldn’t you know it? Mom and Dad see nothing wrong with me going to Kylie’s house Friday night. They think it’s great I made a friend so fast. Now I just have to convince myself.