Snapping
David Erlewine

The girl, Janice I think it is, stares over Robby's head, refusing to look at the turtle he's drawn.
I glance at my wife, who pretends not to notice. She's still saying goodbye to Janice's mom, like we don't live two blocks away.
I take Robby's hand. "Time to go." I pull hard. He leaves the picture on Janice's little table.
As we walk to the car, I'm playing out the drive home. I'll say the girl's a real piece of work. My wife will say leave her alone. If I make a snide comment, she'll say Robby better start getting used to things now. She'll say it like he isn't even there.

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