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in the sixth grade. The teacher had asked the students to make an
insect collection. He flashed to a memory of running through a
grassy field at recess, chasing after everything from bumblebees to
katydids. He was certain that Josh and Kristen would enjoy it, and
feeling proud of himself for coming up with something exciting
and original to occupy a weekend afternoon, he sifted through the
fishing nets he had in the store, choosing three that were about the
right size.
When he told them at lunch, Josh and Kristen were less than
enthusiastic about the idea.
“I don’t want to hurt any butterflies,” Kristen protested. “I like
butterflies.”
“We don’t have to hurt them. We can let them go.”
“Then why catch them in the first place?”
“Because it’s fun.”
“It doesn’t sound fun. It sounds mean.”
Alex opened his mouth to respond, but he wasn’t sure what to
say. Josh took another bite of his grilled cheese sandwich.
“It’s pretty hot already, Dad,” Josh pointed out, talking as he
chewed.
“That’s okay. Afterward, we can swim in the creek. And chew
with your mouth closed.”
Josh swallowed. “Why don’t we just swim in the creek now?”
“Because we’re going butterfly hunting.”
“Can we go to a movie instead?”
“Yeah!” Kristen said. “Let’s go to a movie.”