9780008390662

an interesting life
An awful noise comes, like a tree trunk splitting in two. While we watch in
disbelief, a piece of the roof, the size of a Great Dane, simply vanishes. Rain
gushes through the hole in torrents.
“Boss,” I say, “it’s time. Jump on my back.”
“And that’s a good idea because . . . why, exactly?”
“Because maybe you’ll get your turn,” I say. “Your chance to have things go
your way. I’ve had an interesting life. I want you to have one, too.”
“Bob, at best you’re buying me a couple extra minutes,” Boss says.
“Sis.”
“I’m like thirty seconds older than you. You’re not the boss of me.”
“Please?”
“Why? Just because you’re a guy? I could take you down in a second with
three paws tied behind my back.”
“And if you get outa here and I don’t?” I continue, ignoring her. “There’s a
place I want you to go. Sit on the front porch. Wait for the humans who live
there.”
“Who are you kidding, Bob? We’re both about to die.”
“Three blocks up, four houses down on the left. Look for a big oak tree. Guy
named Nutwit lives there.”
“Nutwit.” She’s suppressing a smile.