“Aw, Mom!” he tried. “Please!”
“No John. This you just have to do!”
“Please!” he tried again, a bit feebler now, as he recognized his mother’s no-nonsense-voice. This had already been decided, he clearly understood. But he could not give up without a fight.
“But mom! I was to go hiking with my friends!”
“I’m sorry John. But have to do this. You can go hiking with your friends another time.”
“But mom…”
“Listen John: The Rein family are you mom and dad’s best friends. When they ask us a favor like this, we say yes! Besides, Peter’s father is dad’s biggest client.”
“Yes, I know, but… Why cannot Peter be home alone for the weekend? He’s 14 and all. I was alone home when I was 14!”




