16

STRIKE—DAY 1

It took a while for my parents to realize I was serious.

I spent the rest of that first day on the couch, hanging out with Nana, reading, and watching Columbo. When Dad got home, Maddie got off the couch to greet him. I didn’t.

He didn’t bring up our earlier conversation. All he said was, “Whatcha watching?”

“A bunch of stuff,” I answered.

“Great,” said Dad, heading back into the kitchen for dinner. Nana joined him, as usual. But my parents didn’t come in to watch TV and rub each other’s feet, which was unusual.

About an hour later, Nana came back in. “I’m heading to bed,” she announced, looking at me. “Are you coming?”

“Nope.”

She smiled. “What are you up to, Jack Strong?”

I looked up at her. “I don’t know exactly. But I’m staying here.”

I expected her to tell me I was being silly. Instead, she said, “Let me get you a blanket.”

After another half hour, my parents came in.

“Are you planning on sleeping here tonight?” my mom asked.

“Yup.”

“You’re a stubborn one,” said my dad, rubbing my head.

“Wonder where he gets that from,” my mom said, laughing.

“We’ll talk about this tomorrow,” my dad said, not laughing.

Mom kissed my cheek. “Sleep well, honey.”

I did.