Chapter 10

They took off, dodging around people, even picking up a companion, a boy around six or seven, Marty guessed. He seemed bent on showing them he could run fast, too, which he did until his father hollered for him to “Get over here.”

They made it twice around the outer path, running side-by-side. Then Marty pointed to a vacant bench, saying, “I need to catch my breath.”

“Wuss,” Trey replied with a grin, but he took the hint and sat when they got to it.

“That was fun,” Marty said. “I haven’t done anything like that in ages.”

“You and me, both.” Trey leaned back, gazing up at the dark clouds. “They’re just waiting for the prefect moment, then, ten inches of snow.”

“Bite your tongue,” Marty muttered. “On the other hand, if they hold off for a couple of days, it would make for a pretty Christmas and add to the holiday mood.” He watched Trey as he said that, seeing his expression darken again. Putting one hand on Trey’s shoulder, he said, “Why do you hate it so much?”