“Oh, God!” Milton gasped. “It’s too much, you shouldn’t have.” He blinked up at JJ through his glasses.
“You’re welcome. Like I said, the comic’s from me and Maggie. To replace the one that got torn up.”
“But, it’s, like, expensive. Thank you, JJ. Thank you.” Milton stroked the comic lovingly through its protective covering.
“Aren’t you going to open it and see if it’s all right?”
“Uh, I don’t want to get it damaged.” He handed the comic back to JJ. “Would you keep it for me until after school?
“I guess, but why don’t you put it in your locker?”
Milton shook his head. “Can’t.”
JJ didn’t understand. “Have you forgotten the combination or something?”
“No, it’s just, I don’t like to keep stuff in there.” He looked down the hallway presumably to where his locker was located.
“Are yo
