Fun, he reminded himself. Think of this as a game, nothing more.
Carl was already diving into the food, wrapping a cold hot dog in a slice of white bread and stuffing it into his mouth.
“Don’t be a piglet; leave some for Lewis,” Penny scolded, then turned to the elder boy: “Put that down an’ eat something.”
“I will, in a minute.” His fingers had found a seam in the box, so slight he’d missed it the first time.
“No, now,” she said, grabbing the box and gently pulling it away from him. “I got pickles just for you.”
“Give that back!”
Penny shook her head. “Huh-uh. You gotta be hungry, Lewis, and I don’t want you to get sick. I love you.”
The rest of the protestations died in Lewis’ throat. Penny had never said that to him before, and he realized with something between surprise and well
