JAKE
Jake stood at the bottom of the fire road, watching the school bus drop off its passengers in front of the general store. The students dispersed down Marzen’s narrow streets, but only one headed to the fire road. When Sal reached him Jake said, ‘Mind if I walk with you a ways?’
‘Sure,’ Sal said, and though Jake could tell he didn’t really want the company he fell in beside him. He was pleased to see Sal was wearing the jeans he’d given him.
‘Looks like the pants fit.’
‘Yeah.’ A sideways glance. ‘Thanks.’
‘I can get you more stuff, if you want.’
‘That’s okay. Gideon’ll do it.’
‘Really?’
Sal kicked a rock. ‘He says he didn’t notice my stuff had gotten so small.’
Jake thought anyone who bothered to look at Sal would see his clothes were too small, but he didn’t say this. The fir
