| Rebel He�s a rebel now. Glenn, my little brother, never used to assert himself�but now he�s the tallest 4-year-old I�ve ever seen. Ham and cheese on toasted white bread. That�s my lunch, and it�s supposed to be his, too. I wrinkle my nose at the mundane fare and sit down to eat. But Glenn wants peanut butter and jelly. He eats that every day. I don�t know why Mommy�s insisting on ripping the fabric of Glenn�s daily routine � but she wants him to eat that sandwich. �Don�t waste your food,� she reminds him. His nervous refusal turns into an adamant stance. She doesn�t budge. Mommy vs. Glenn�no doubt who will win this one. My heart cheers for my brother, but as he glances at me for a quick dose of guidance, my eyes only plead that he doesn�t upset our mother any longer. He really hates ham and cheese. �If you don�t eat your food, I�m going to call the police and they�ll take you to jail. Do you want to go to jail?� �No.� �Then eat your sandwich.� �No.� I can see Mommy�s angry-face wrinkles appear. Glenn cowers. I can see his lips trembling. I have to do something. �Mommy, I�ll eat his sandwich! Just make him a peanut butter and jelly!� She picks up the phone and pretends to call 911. �Hello? My son is disobeying me. Can you come pick him up and take him to jail? Ok. See you soon.� Glenn listens, makes his way down the stairs, and puts on his shoes. Mom and I are thinking the same thing. Glenn wants to run away. �What are you doing?� she asks as he fastens the Velcro on his sneakers. He takes a seat on a step facing the door. �I�m waiting for the police.� 300 words ::02/04/04:: (written for a class in 09/02) |
 |
 |
 |
| Copyright 1999 and beyond. Merv/Marv Productions. |