We were safe for the time being, but it was no time to let our guard down. Levi peeked through the bushes, trying his best not to make a sound. He looked both ways down the street. All we could see was the crossing guard, Mrs. Hankins, letting children pass. “All good,” he whispered. “Come ...

Mom kept pacing the living room, back and forth, not saying a word. It would have been easier if she just had just come out and told us how disappointed she was, announced our punishments, and sent us to our rooms. She wanted us to apologize, to explain. Finally, I could not stand the silence ...