Page 86 of Hiding From Laughter

Walk.

Step.

Careful. Careful.

Pretty counters.

Pretty wood.

Pretty plants.

Oh no.

Fake plants.

Sad. Sad.

“I was told to ask you for milk for abottle.” Daddy laughed. Daddy liked people. I didn’t like people. I likedplants. Real plants. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m sure Connerfound us very boring.”

Fancy man?

Attention.

Attention.

“Nope.” Counter man with my bottle grinned.“He’s more discreet than you think.”

Ha.

Not Fancy man.

“Ugh, the guy at the front desk.” Daddygroaned. “He was enjoying Ashton’s antics entirely too much.”

“I’m pretty sure it takes a drama queen toreally appreciate a drama queen.” Counter man shook his head as Daddy laughed.“If there’s anything else you guys need, just let me know.”

Milk.

Water.

No talking.

Counter man knew no talking ’cause he justtalked to Daddy. He didn’t even look at me. No peopling. No talking. Noanythings.

“Thanks. I appreciate it but we’re good.I’m just going to find a quiet spot to relax for a while. In this headspace, mydrama queen is actually very laid-back.” Daddy laughed as Counter man nodded.Counter man knew a special boy with a quiet toy?

“Go check out the back room.” Counter manpointed but Daddy moved and I found my spoon.

Ha. In the bag.

Got my spoon too.

No hands.

Ha.

Spoon and elephant.

No hands.

---