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the lollipops. I have a confession to make," he

declared.

"What?"

"I noticed you long before Mr. Wengrow

suggested we practice together. I pretended I didn't.

but I did."

He was quiet, and so was I. He had revealed

more than I expected someone like him would

already.

"Maybe we'll find more to get us out," I said.

He turned and smiled at me.

When we turned up my driveway. I tried too

late to warn him about Grandad Forman's bump. Both

our heads nearly hit the ceiling of the car.

"Sorry," I said. "I forgot."

"It's all right. I think. Are my eyes still where

they were before I made the turn?"

"Yes," I said. laughing.

When we stopped. Uncle Simon stepped out of

the barn and looked our way.

"Wow, he's big."

"He's a very gentle man. Chandler. All those

beautiful flowers you see are his doing."

"I guess that's what brings him out."

"Exactly. We all have something."

"You have more." he said. "I'm looking forward

to Saturday night." "Thanks for the ride home. Bye," I

said, closing the door.

I watched him back up, turn around, and leave.

When I looked at the barn. Uncle Simon was gone,