I get in the truck,
Buddy jumps up into my lap.
Do I need to tell you how worried we were?
You’re supposed to be at the shop.
Not to mention that Mrs. Hershkowitz
is worried about her dog.
Somehow, without thinking too much,
I feel the words passing through my lips. I’m sorry,
we were carving pumpkins,
and I forgot.
I start crying again even though I try not to.
My father looks over.
Oh, don’t cry.
You’re getting older, Etan,
crying isn’t always the way.
My father puts his hand in my hand.
The moon is out,
and the trees bend terrible
shadows along Forest Road,
and just before we turn,
he looks at me.
They call her the creature?
Why? She doesn’t look bad at all.