After school
I invite Kyra over.
“We can do our homework
together,” I say.
Kyra groans.
“I hate homework!”
“Who doesn’t,” I say.
Mom is in the kitchen
with my little cousin, Jackson.
Jackson is four.
Jackson is wild.
Jackson is banging on pots.
“Look, Bindi!” he hollers.
“I’m Drummer Boy!”
Mom winces.
“Drummer Boy’s babysitter, Mrs. DiBruno,
had a three-thirty doctor’s appointment.”
“And a headache,” Jackson pipes.
“From me!”
“This is Kyra, Mom,” I say.
“We’re going up to my room
to do homework.”
“Homework!” squeals Jackson.
“I love homework!”