Kenny held his reading lamp to his forehead until the last possible minute. He heard her coming down the hall and switched it off.
His door opened and she put her head in. “Up and at ‘em. You’ll miss your bus and I can’t take you.”
“I don’t feel well,” he croaked. “My head hurts.”
She came to the bedside and felt his head. “You’re a little warm.”
“I feel like I’m burning up.”
“I don’t have time to find the thermometer,” she said, exasperated. “I’m late as it is.”
“I need to throw up.”
“Jesus. Not on my dress.”
Oh Kenny. What are you up to? Slice of life there–the dialogue is spot on.
Thanks. It’s the first part of a longer (unfinished) story about a boy pretending to be sick and then wandering around the town while he’s supposed to be in school.
You should finish it! It’s an intriguing slice.
I liked “Jesus, not on my dress”
Yeah. She brings in the trash bin from the bathroom right after this.
Dear Josh,
The boy’s mother’s concern is truly touching. I could see this happening. As always, well written. Who among us hasn’t feigned illness to stay home from school? ;)
Shalom,
Rochelle
Kenny knows how to play his mother.
I started out feeling sorry for him but it didn’t last! Nice one
Well well written.
Ha! That old dodge with the reading lamp! Kenny’s mum should know that one! I’m afraid our kids would just have had “Right – out, out, out!”
I hope you’ll blog the longer version when It’s ready.
The games children play, looking forward to reading more about Kenny
Boys will be boys…
Haha, I used to use the radiator :-)
Haha! The first thing I thought was, “Funny how kids don’t know parents can see the light shining through the crack under the door.) :) But obviously, Kenny’s mother is too preoccupied with “more important things.” Love the story concept and look forward to reading more!
Im a little too familiar with this scenario. Sometimes work has to wait!nice scene.
I hope that was play acting! :)
Nicely done – especially throwing up on her dress. Want to know what happened next….
Smart kid. One day he’ll have a kid of his own just like him :)
Fantastic dialogue.