“What?” Danny replied, popping into the kitchen. Then, Miss Grace’s sharp tone-“Danny, are you eavesdropping?” He heard a general murmur of agreement from Ali and Mr. There's been too much moment to moment with Danny, we need to start acting and planning like he has a normal future. “We all tell him it's going to be fine, but we haven't been acting as if it will be. “I don't think we've ever thought about him growing up,” Miss Grace said. When he was in the mudroom he heard Miss Grace say, in a low voice, “Is it possible we've never asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up?” I need to get you there early so we can stop in the office.” She gestured toward the mudroom. “I want to do special effects for movies and stuff like that.” “I don’t really wanna be a lawyer, no offense,” he said. “Don't grow up to be a lawyer,” she said absently.ĭanny laughed. He had a feeling they didn't know what they were in for. He had a hard time picturing her representing spoiled rich types with tax problems. She’d laminated it, and still carried it in her briefcase. He'd drawn a picture of Miss Grace on a battle horse, wielding a giant sword, protecting a huddle of frightened people from a big, fat greedy monster with dollar signs all over it.
He had no idea what his actual mother did. In elementary school, he'd had to draw a picture of what his mother did for a living for a mother's day project. Miss Grace had spent a lot of time fighting crooked landlords and big companies back in Maryland. “Pro bono means for free, right?” Danny asked. He said that was agreeable to him, but we'll see.” I'm not going to coddle wealthy clients all of the time.
GROSS OUT DOODLE MONSTER COMPANY PRO
“I told him I insist on doing pro bono work. Inside his heart rate was spiking and his brain was racing with scenarios of all possible catastrophes and public embarrassments. I think I'm good.” He drank his coffee, appearing calm as lake water on the outside. He felt compelled to reassure them that he was okay. They had the air of three people who were trying their hardest to Act Like Everything was Normal. Murray was tucking into some scrambled egg whites. Miss Grace didn't look up from her laptop. His tone was jolly, but his eyes were concerned. “Are you ready for the first day of school?” asked Ali. He dropped his backpack next to his chair and went to get himself some coffee. Was the house itself communicating with him? If it had 'personality' maybe it could leave mystery messages on a chalkboard. “What was the question?” He puzzled over it as he headed down to the kitchen. He nodded his head in determination and turned to see the chalkboard, which displayed a new message, a very short one.ĭanny stood in front of the chalkboard, stumped. Maybe it’ll be different here, he thought. The view of Eddystone did him some good, pinpoints of light glowing through the murky dawn. He put fresh water in Max's bowl, rubbed the little guy on his sleepy, upside down head, and walked up to the tower room.
Anxiety didn't shut Danny down, he burned it like gasoline. He got ready for school at top speed, assisted by bubbling anxiety. D anny woke up bright and early- or dark and early, in reality.