“Yeah, but I wanna go to Gramma’s.”

            “You heard what your father said.”

            Suddenly there was a big explosion, Dad’s fist slamming down on the tabletop. “Darn-nit! He just wants some money to buy a thing, Dolly, that’s all! Whatever he wants, don’t give it to him, is that clear?” Mom didn’t answer right away. “Okay, Dolly?” he repeated it louder.

            “Yes.”

            “Whatever it is, little Johnny boy, you’re not gonna get it this time. Nope, no matter how much you beg or wheedle or cry.” Dad acted very happy. “Not this time, so forget about it. I had it now.” He picked up and threw his napkin down in the same place. “Let’s have no more arguments at the table. Dolly, please, come sit down. Come on,” he told her.

            “Can I be excused?” said the boy.

            “Yes,” Dad answered.

            So, Johnny left the table with one thing on his mind—how he was getting that glove. There was never a time when there wasn’t some way to get what he wanted. Maybe he could beg Auntie Grace or even Uncle Charlie. But Dad would be angrier if he got them behind his back now. There had to be a way without him finding out. This was terrible. He didn’t know anyone. He wished he could do it by himself and show him! He was so mad his Dad was hurting him like this!