TWENTY

MAX PELTED his way to his sister's room, his miniature Hummer Jeep under one arm and an eager Squid scampering behind.

"Hi, Nora!"

Nora's expression sparkled. "Hi, Maxie!"

Max leaped onto her bed as well as Squid. "I was thinking... Since it's a no-school day, how about we do something much more fun."

Nora and Max were supposed to be at school but due to a routine inspection of the fire alarms and sprinkler system, the school administration had declared the school closed for a day. And all of the students and teachers were instructed, the day before, to remain home while the contractors worked on the safety systems.

"Like what?" Nora asked in excitement.

"Hmm... Like playing outside the house." His eyes glowed, equally as excited. "Let's go to the neighborhood playground."

Nora's face scrunched up in an expression of skepticism. "Uh... I don't know, Maxie," she drawled, lifting a shoulder. "The neighborhood playground is just not my thing. Besides, we hav