HEY, IF YOU HAD TO RIDE A HOT AND SMELLY BUS ALL THE WAY BACK TO HILLS VILLAGE, YOU’D START MAKING STUFF UP TOO

You okay, honey?” the lady next to me asked. “You seem like you’re a million miles away.”

“I’m okay,” I said.

We were about halfway to Hills Village by now. It was too hot on the bus, and I was getting kind of sleepy.

“What’s your name, sugar?” she said.

“Um… Leo,” I told her.

“That’s a nice name. Where are you headed, anyway?”

“I’m going to see my friend Matty,” I said. “He’s in the hospital with this terrible flesh-eating disease.”

The lady looked at me like she didn’t know whether to believe me or not.

“He still owes me five dollars,” I said. “So I need to get there before—well, you know. Before it’s too late.”

Now she was looking like maybe it was time for her to change seats.

“Just kidding,” I said.

“Listen, Leo… aren’t you a little young to be riding alone?” the lady asked me. She started reaching into her purse. “Is there someone I can call for you?”

“No, it’s okay,” I told her right away. “The truth is, I was just visiting my grandma in the city. My mom’s going to pick me up at the bus station.”

I looked her in the eye this time, but not too much—just right. Anyway, I think she bought it. She didn’t ask any more questions, and the rest of the ride to Hills Village was quiet.

So I guess Matty the Freak taught me a thing or two after all.

Like how to lie.