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I pick up First Day on Earth These are not his words, but they are words he’s guided h

I have spent tooI read for a little while, and then spend the rest of the night drea

Chapter Twenty-Three

I wake up really cold, then start the furnace and suffer as it gets way too hot I guess these are ht away, but I also know that even if he wakes up five hours away, he’ll find a way to be here I just have to keepFirst Day on Earth and wish I’d brought a longer book, or even my homework Artie doesn’t have any books around that I can find Only back issues of azines like Field & Stream

There’s an old newspaper where the crossword hasn’t been done I try that, but I’ames on my phone, and even walk around outside for a little in the hope of getting reception

I a at," I say

"Yeah, right"

No I cannot be having this conversation in my head I look at the clock It’s after one He should be here by now

He’s not co

But he prooes on I’ around in a T-shirt and boxers, it’s so hot

Finally, I hear a car co

All of the doubts I’ve been denying now turn themselves into relief

I run for the door and throw it open I’uy in front of me is very old and has a dead deer across his shoulders

I screaain and retreat into the cabin

"Who the hell are you?" the man yells

I want to sla

"You’re trespassing! Jesus, you nearly gaveat s

"I’m Artie’s niece," I say "Artie’s "

He looks skeptical, and I really wish he’d put the deer down It’sme nauseous

"You’re not supposed to be here," the man says "If you even are Artie’s niece"