Page 46 (2/2)

Crack psst!

Crack psst!

The sound that had not been heard in the FAYZ for ain Pop-tops were popped, and Saood," Toto said

"It’sIt’s like life is all right again Like the universe has finally decided to se smile

Burp

"Oh, yeah," Dekka said "Soda burp"

The three of the "Jack!" Sam yelled

"I’m busy!" he called back

"Get over here Now!"

Jack ca Sam held a can out for him

"Is that?"

"It is," Sa then, sobbing and drinking and burping and laughing

"You going crazy on us, Jack?" Dekka asked

"It’s just" He couldn’t seem to find the words

Sam put his arm around Jack’s shoulders "Yeah, dude It’s too much, isn’t it? I mean too h his tears

"We all eat rats," Dekka said "And glad to get a good juicy one, too"

"True," Toto muttered with some concern "They eat rats They didn’t mention rats before, Spidey"

The sun ell past noon Sa Just because we’re living large doesn’t mean people at home are"

"We don’t need to find water, we have Pepsi!" Jack said

"Which is great," Saet it back to town"

That sobered Jack He nodded briskly and said, "Yes, you’re right Sorry I was justI don’t know For a few minutes there it was likedifferent they went to the boxcar The instant they rolled back the door they were assailed by a sickly sweet ses But this was only obvious because of the perky labels on the flats The oranges the since rotted in the heat A sticky liquid covered the floor of the car Sorowths of furry retfully

"Oranges would have been good," Toto said

The very last container was a mixed load: Stanley brand screwdrivers and saws and assorted hand tools, and exercise equipment of various types

But by then no one cared, because it was the next-to-last container that weighed on their minds