w what's on it yesterday." Her hands were steady, but a deep weariness

hing more we can do here tonight." He was already thinking about

the first time, a genuine crack appeared in her composure. "Courtn

e is fine. This is classic Kelsie. She pulls a stunt, we panic, she gets the a

ut

ne final. "She will c

, a flash flood had trapped me in a low-lying underpass. My phone was dead. I spent th

rning, soaked and shiv

e, twisted with fury. He didn't ask if I

lapp

of it sent me

ny idea the trouble you've caused? We were up all ni

ut the flood, but the words wouldn'

cold. "Your father is right to be angry, Kelsie. This b

Javon watched, a flicker o

only one who believed me. She screamed at my parents over the phone, but it did no good. To

set. I was the lia

for me. They would wait for me to crawl back, tail between my legs, r

ld wait

than an hour late

's voice crackled over the speakerphone in Courtney's of

t?" Courtn

s 'Kelsie Ochoa.' But the pet

lence fill

g?" Diane ask

had fed him for weeks, using my allowance. I named him Buster. I had him chippe

s found out, t

e? Absolutely not," my father

immovable. They made me take hi

ip was the only thing that

egistered?" Courtney

s and Claws Pet Supp

ir security footage,"

ime, I saw real fear in his eyes. Not

for

ips and dog shampoo. The owner, a kind-faced older man

ey showed him my school photo. "Quiet kid. Sad

pulled one down. It w

said. "For a little dog,

he collar. His h

footage from that day?

ded. "Yeah. I

. The momen