/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/trainkorpus/13/file15.html NN ----------------------------------------- : Home NP Subscribe VV Renew VV Current JJ Issue NN Back RB Issues NP Anthologies NNS Events NNS Workshops NNS . SENT Belize NP Online JJ Submissions NNS Contests NNS The DT Virtual JJ Studio NN About IN Contact NP Us NP Vol NP . SENT 9 CD , , No RB . SENT 3 CD Animals NNS Here RB Below NP by IN Eric NP Puchner NP We PP haven't JJ seen VVN our PP$ mother NN in IN really RB long JJ , , a DT long JJ time NN , , three CD years NNS almost RB , , so RB when WRB she PP pulls VVZ up RP to TO the DT curb NN and CC gets VVZ out RP of IN her PP$ station NN wagon NN , , Caitlin NP and CC I PP run VVP out RP there RB to TO touch VV her PP$ hair NN . SENT It's NP the DT longest JJS hair NN I've NN ever RB seen VVN , , blond JJ and CC slithery JJ and CC down RB to TO her PP$ waist NN . SENT My PP$ mom NN laughs VVZ and CC bends VVZ over RP and CC lets VVZ us PP feel VVP how WRB heavy JJ it PP is VBZ . SENT Mr NP . SENT Grown VVN Up RP , , she PP calls VVZ me PP . SENT We PP fill VVP our PP$ arms NNS with IN hair NN , , which WDT smells VVZ like IN French JJ fries NNS . SENT So RB long RB , , it PP makes VVZ me PP want VVP to TO not RB let VV go VV . SENT I PP make VVP up RP a DT song NN , , because IN that's NNS what WP I PP always RB do VVP . SENT Hair NN of IN Ages NPS , , who WP do VVP you PP trust NN . SENT Hair NN of IN Ages NPS , , taller JJR than IN us PP . SENT Dad NP doesn't NP come VVP out RP to TO see VV her PP$ hair NN . SENT We PP used VVD to TO be VB rich JJ , , but CC now RB my PP$ father NN works VVZ at IN the DT airport NN handling VVG people's NP luggage NN . SENT A DT ramp NN agent NN , , he's NNS called VVD . SENT He's NP got VVD these DT coveralls NNS that WDT say VVP hudson NP general NN on IN them PP and CC plastic JJ earmuffs NNS that WDT look VVP like IN headphones NN . SENT He PP wears VVZ them PP at IN the DT kitchen NN table NN sometimes RB , , when WRB Caitlin NP and CC I PP talk VVP about IN our PP$ mother NN . SENT If IN she PP hadn't NN fallen VVN in IN love NN with IN the DT math NN teacher NN , , none NN of IN this DT would MD have VH happened VVN . SENT Now RB she's NNS back RB from IN Alaska NP . SENT If IN I PP ask VVP Dad NP about IN it PP , , he PP just RB laughs VVZ for IN no DT reason NN and CC says VVZ . SENT I PP guess VVP she's NNS fed VVN up RP with IN him PP , , too RB . SENT My PP$ mom NN follows VVZ us PP into IN the DT kitchen NN , , glancing VVG around IN the DT house NN and CC stopping VVG now RB and CC then RB to TO shake VV her PP$ head NN . SENT She's NP never RB been VBN here RB before RB . SENT I PP keep VVP sneaking VVG glances NNS at IN her PP$ face NN . SENT She's NNS paler JJR than IN I PP remember VVP and CC you PP can MD see VV right RB through IN her PP$ eyebrows NNS to TO the DT skin NN underneath IN . SENT When WRB she PP smiles VVZ , , secret JJ lines NNS crease VV out RP from IN the DT corners NNS of IN her PP$ mouth NN , , three CD or CC four CD on IN each DT side NN , , like IN ripples NNS getting VVG smaller JJR . SENT Caitlin's NNS gone VVN Special JJ Ed NP and CC just RB keeps VVZ staring VVG at IN her PP , , mouth NN unhinged VVN . SENT She's NNS six CD and CC doesn't NP know VVP she's NNS being VBG rude JJ . SENT There's RB a DT sugar NN crust NN of IN sleep NN in IN her PP$ eyelashes NNS . SENT I PP have VHP some DT presents NNS for IN you PP in IN the DT car NN , , my PP$ mom NN says VVZ , , leaning VVG her PP$ head NN to TO one CD side NN and CC swinging VVG her PP$ hair NN around RP to TO the DT front NN , , slow JJ and CC gentle JJ , , like IN a DT crane NN moving VVG something NN heavy NN . SENT She PP peers VVZ at IN the DT door NN to TO my PP$ dad's NNS room NN , , where WRB he's NNS pretending VVG to TO be VB asleep JJ . SENT It's NP only RB recently RB they've VV begun VVN talking VVG again RB . SENT She PP was VBD going VVG to TO stay VV at IN a DT hotel NN , , but CC I PP got VVD Caitlin NP to TO throw VV one CD of IN her PP$ tragic JJ fits NNS . SENT Tomorrow NN night NN we PP can MD see VV a DT movie NN , , Caitlin NP says VVZ , , too RB loudly RB . SENT Mom NN blushes NNS pink JJ , , right RB through IN her PP$ eyebrows NNS . SENT Your PP$ father NN didn't NN tell VV you PP . SENT I PP can MD only RB stay VV for IN a DT night NN . SENT Why WRB . SENT I PP say VVP . SENT Dad NP did VVD tell VV us PP , , but CC this DT is VBZ part NN of IN our PP$ plan NN . SENT Mine NP and CC Caitlin's NP . SENT I PP have VHP an DT interview NN in IN Austin NP . SENT At IN a DT school NN there RB . SENT They PP need VVP someone NN to TO teach VV music NN . SENT She PP squats VVZ down RP to TO our PP$ height NN . SENT But CC I'll NP come VVP back RB to TO Tucson NP in IN a DT couple NN weeks NNS to TO visit VV , , after IN I PP get VVP settled VVN at IN your PP$ Aunt NN Tina's NP . SENT We're NP not RB going VVG to TO the DT Desert NP Museum NP . SENT She PP studies VVZ me PP carefully RB . SENT Yes UH , , in IN the DT morning NN . SENT I PP promised VVD we PP would MD . SENT She PP asks VVZ for IN some DT water NN and CC I PP get VVP her PP a DT glass NN down RB from IN the DT cupboard NN , , inspecting VVG the DT rim NN for IN little JJ orange JJ juice NN bits NNS . SENT Then RB I PP open VVP the DT freezer NN for IN some DT ice NN before IN remembering VVG what's NNS in IN there RB . SENT Zoomer NP , , our PP$ cocker NN spaniel NN , , died VVD last JJ week NN from IN dog NN cancer NN , , and CC my PP$ dad NN plans VVZ to TO send VV him PP to TO a DT renderer NN in IN Montana NP who WP does VVZ museum NN skeletons NNS . SENT Supposedly RB , , the DT guy NN has VHZ some DT special JJ bugs NNS that WDT are VBP going VVG to TO clean VV Zoomer's NP skull NN , , make VV it PP shiny JJ and CC beautiful JJ , , something NN you PP can MD put VV on IN your PP$ desk NN . SENT Dermestid JJ beetles NNS , , they're NNS called VVD . SENT It's NNS giving VVG Caitlin NP nightmares NNS and CC I PP have VHP to TO sing VV her PP a DT song NN about IN good JJ beetles NNS that IN don't NN eat VVP your PP$ face NN off RP . SENT Pretty RB beetle JJ , , he PP sleeps VVZ in IN the DT wind NN . SENT Nibbles NNS grass NN but CC never RB your PP$ skin NN . SENT Zoomer NP gives VVZ me PP a DT sad JJ look NN through IN his PP$ plastic JJ bag NN , , little JJ icicles NNS dangling VVG from IN his PP$ beard NN . SENT Bad JJ dog NN , , I NN mouth NN . SENT The DT renderer's NNS on IN vacation NN , , which WDT is VBZ why WRB Zoomer's NP in IN the DT freezer NN , , but CC I PP wonder VVP if IN Dad's NP trying VVG to TO do VV everything NN possible JJ to TO make VV my PP$ mother NN run VV away RB again RB . SENT I PP hand VV her PP the DT ice NN water NN , , worried VVD it PP smells VVZ like IN dog NN , , but CC she PP doesn't VVD notice NN and CC takes VVZ a DT long JJ drink NN . SENT The DT ice NN ticks VVZ against IN the DT glass NN , , even RB when WRB she's NNS finished VVD . SENT She PP goes VVZ over RP to TO the DT window NN and CC looks VVZ at IN our PP$ backyard NN , , which WDT is VBZ just RB a DT dirt NN place NN surrounded VVN by IN a DT chain NN link NN fence NN , , the DT only JJ thing NN of IN interest NN being VBG a DT clothes NNS wire NN stretched VVD tight RB with IN a DT little JJ crank NN , , my PP$ dad's JJ blue JJ jeans NNS walking VVG in IN the DT wind NN . SENT Something NN about IN Mom's NP looking VVG at IN it PP in IN her PP$ fancy JJ sandals NNS makes VVZ me PP feel VVP ashamed JJ . SENT She PP plucks VVZ at IN the DT back NN of IN her PP$ dress NN , , which WDT is VBZ dark JJ down IN the DT middle NN . SENT I PP forgot VVD it PP could MD get VV like IN this DT . SENT It's NP monsoon NN season NN , , Caitlin NP says VVZ . SENT She PP knows VVZ . SENT I PP tell VVP her PP . SENT Caitlin NP looks VVZ like IN she PP might MD cry VV , , the DT little JJ scar NN on IN her PP$ cheek NN dimpling VVG into IN a DT V NN . SENT My PP$ mom NN used VVN to TO help VV me PP search NN for IN monsoons NNS when WRB I PP was VBD younger JJR , , casing VVG the DT sky NN with IN binoculars NNS . SENT That DT was VBD before IN she PP ran VVD off RP with IN Mr NP . SENT Osterhout NP , , when WRB we PP lived VVD in IN a DT big JJ house NN with IN air NN conditioning NN and CC a DT view NN of IN the DT mountains NNS and CC javelinas NNS that WDT drowned VVD in IN the DT pool NN if IN you PP didn't VVD close VV the DT gate NN . SENT The DT mountains NNS were VBD covered VVN in IN saguaro NN cactuses NNS , , which WDT could MD kill VV you PP if IN they PP fell VVD over RP but CC they PP never RB did VVD . SENT At IN night NN the DT wind NN went VVD through IN them PP and CC they PP sounded VVD like IN music NN . SENT Mom NN used VVD to TO take VV us PP out RP there RB before IN bed NN , , me PP and CC Caitlin NP and CC sometimes RB my PP$ dad NN , , and CC we'd NN listen VVP to TO the DT cactuses NNS humming VVG everywhere RB at IN once RB , , some DT of IN them PP two CD hundred CD years NNS old JJ and CC taller JJR than IN our PP$ house NN . SENT Mom NN knew VVD exactly RB what WP letter NN it PP was VBD in IN , , C NP or CC B NP flat JJ . SENT Dad NP called VVD her PP$ Miss NP Solemnis NP , , after IN her PP$ favorite JJ Beethoven NP song NN . SENT After IN she PP left VVD , , though RB , , everything NN changed VVD . SENT Dad NP stopped VVD going VVG to TO work VV so IN he PP could MD listen VV to TO her PP$ CDs NNS all DT day NN long RB , , the DT same JJ ones NNS he'd NN always RB thought VVD were VBD boring JJ . SENT He'd JJ drive VVP us PP to TO school VV in IN his PP$ bathrobe NN and CC then RB pick VV us PP up RP as IN if IN no DT day NN had VHD gone VVN by IN , , the DT hairs NNS on IN his PP$ chest NN sticking VVG out RP for IN everyone NN to TO see VV . SENT He'd NP never RB paid VVD much JJ attention NN to TO Zoomer NP before RB , , but CC then RB he PP started VVD buying VVG dog NN groceries NNS every DT day NN , , feeding VVG him PP pigs NNS ears NNS and CC chicken NN croissants NNS and CC K NP 9 CD Kupcakes NNS . SENT Zoomer NP even RB began VVD sleeping VVG in IN bed NN with IN him PP . SENT They'd JJ snuggle NN together RB , , refusing VVG to TO get VV up RP before IN noon NN . SENT After IN he PP got VVD fired VVN from IN the DT bank NN , , I PP stopped VVD at IN my PP$ dad's JJ door NN in IN the DT middle NN of IN the DT day NN and CC he PP was VBD lying VVG there RB with IN his PP$ eyes NNS closed VVD , , letting VVG Zoomer NP lick VV his PP$ toes NNS . SENT I PP watched VVD Zoomer NP clean VV every DT toe NN like IN a DT cat NN , , one CD through IN ten CD . SENT That DT was VBD the DT lower JJR depths NNS , , as IN my PP$ dad NN calls VVZ it PP . SENT I PP thought VVD he'd NN escaped VVD them PP , , but CC now RB he PP hasn't NNS been VBN to TO work VV at IN all DT since IN Zoomer NP died VVD and CC even RB made VVD me PP call VVP the DT airport NN yesterday NN to TO tell VV them PP he PP had VHD bronchitis NN . SENT Mom NN takes VVZ me PP and CC Caitlin NP outside IN again RB to TO her PP$ station NN wagon NN , , which WDT is VBZ filled VVN with IN shoes NNS and CC boxes NNS and CC garbage NN bags NNS tied VVN into IN mouse NN ears NNS at IN the DT tops NNS . SENT The DT desert NN sun NN squinches NNS her PP$ eyes NNS . SENT She PP hands VVZ us PP presents VVZ , , wrapped VVD up RP carefully RB with IN red JJ ribbons NNS , , like IN the DT ones NNS she PP sends VVZ from IN Alaska NP . SENT I PP rip VV off RP the DT paper NN and CC pull VV out RP a DT box NN filled VVN with IN little JJ totem NN poles NNS , , which WDT she PP explains VVZ is VBZ a DT chess NN set NN made VVN of IN whalebone NN . SENT I PP don't VVD even RB know VV how WRB to TO play VV chess NN , , but CC I PP pretend VV to TO love VV it PP anyway RB because RB of IN the DT plan NN . SENT We're NNS going VVG to TO make VV our PP$ mom NN fall NN in IN love NN with IN us PP again RB . SENT With IN our PP$ father NN , , too RB , , even RB . SENT That DT way NN she'll NN stay VVP here RB forever RB and CC he'll RB stop VV being VBG depressed VVN and CC we'll NN be VB in IN the DT higher JJR depths NNS like IN we PP used VVD to TO , , moving VVG back RB to TO the DT mountains NNS where WRB we PP can MD hear VV the DT cactuses NNS . SENT I PP brought VVD Zoomer NP something NN too RB , , she PP says VVZ , , holding VVG up RP a DT fake JJ bone NN with IN the DT words NNS top JJ dog NN written VVN on IN it PP . SENT Where WRB is VBZ he PP , , anyway RB . SENT Dog NN heaven NN , , Caitlin NP says VVZ sadly RB . SENT I PP give VVP her PP a DT dirty JJ look NN , , because IN she's NNS forgotten VVN what WP we PP agreed VVD to TO say VV . SENT It's NP a DT dog NN kennel NN , , I PP explain VVP . SENT He's NP not RB dead JJ . SENT Mom NN squints VVZ at IN me PP , , one CD hand NN cupped VVN above IN her PP$ eyes NNS . SENT Why WRB is VBZ he PP at IN the DT kennel NN . SENT It's NP a DT school NN . SENT They're NN training VVG him PP to TO be VB obedient JJ . SENT I PP say VVP this DT since IN I'm NP on IN the DT spot NN and CC Dad NP used VVD to TO joke VV about IN sending VVG Zoomer NP to TO Regurgitation NN Training NP , , because IN there EX was VBD so RB much JJ dog NN puke VV cookied JJ to TO the DT rug NN . SENT Mom NN seems VVZ not RB to TO remember VV this DT . SENT Luckily RB , , the DT screen NN door NN squeaks VVZ into IN a DT slam NN and CC my PP$ father NN appears VVZ on IN the DT porch NN , , wearing VVG his PP$ Hudson NP General NP cap NN and CC flip JJ flops NNS . SENT He PP flops VVZ over RP to TO us PP . SENT There's RB a DT pearl NN of IN shaving NN cream NN perched VVN on IN the DT rim NN of IN his PP$ glasses NNS . SENT He PP stares NNS at IN my PP$ mom's JJ hair NN , , like IN someone NN in IN a DT trance NN . SENT She PP looks VVZ down RP at IN her PP$ feet NNS and CC hands VVZ him PP the DT fake JJ bone NN she PP brought VVD for IN Zoomer NP . SENT Her PP$ face NN is VBZ all DT shy JJ and CC speechless JJ , , and CC for IN a DT minute NN I PP think VVP the DT plan's NNS working VVG before IN we've NN really RB started VVD . SENT Dad NP puts VVZ the DT bone NN in IN his PP$ teeth NNS , , I PP guess VVP for IN a DT joke NN . SENT No DT one NN says VVZ anything NN . SENT He PP blushes VVZ and CC takes VVZ it PP out RP of IN his PP$ mouth NN . SENT Nice JJ to TO be VB back RB on IN top NN , , he PP says VVZ , , reading VVG the DT words NNS on IN it PP . SENT My PP$ mom's NNS face VVP hardens NNS . SENT Don't JJ start NN . SENT Hoo NP , , boy NN . SENT Started VVD . SENT He PP peers VVZ in IN the DT window NN of IN the DT station NN wagon NN , , then RB looks VVZ out RP at IN the DT trash NN filled VVN street NN . SENT Take VV your PP$ stuff NN in IN for IN the DT night NN . SENT This DT isn't NP Via NP Roma NP Road NP . SENT While IN my PP$ mom NN showers NNS for IN dinner NN , , Caitlin NP and CC I PP run VVP off RP to TO our PP$ room NN to TO put VV away RP our PP$ presents NNS . SENT The DT sound NN of IN water NN moans VVZ from IN the DT wall NN . SENT I PP put VVD the DT chess NN set VVN on IN my PP$ dresser NN , , which WDT is VBZ already RB covered VVN in IN gifts NNS . SENT There's RB the DT creepy JJ looking VVG spirit NN mask NN , , the DT pouch NN containing VVG real JJ live JJ gold NN dust NN , , the DT erasable JJ globe NN where WRB you're NNS supposed VVN to TO write VV in IN the DT country NN names NNS like IN a DT test NN . SENT I PP spin VV the DT globe NN to TO make VV sure JJ you PP can MD see VV the DT little JJ drawing NN on IN it PP , , the DT stick NN figure NN woman NN standing NN where WRB Alaska NP should MD be VB , , which WDT my PP$ mom NN must MD have VH Magic NP Markered NP in IN herself PP . SENT The DT woman NN is VBZ smiling VVG , , holding VVG a DT harpoon NN in IN one CD hand NN . SENT Once RB my PP$ dad NN got VVD drunk JJ and CC wrote VVD whore NN underneath IN the DT drawing NN when WRB I PP was VBD asleep JJ . SENT In IN the DT morning NN he PP looked VVD very RB ashamed JJ and CC even RB started VVD crying VVG when WRB he PP erased VVD it PP . SENT Caitlin NP and CC I PP put VVD our PP$ ears NNS to TO the DT wall NN and CC listen VV to TO Mom's NP voice NN , , which WDT is VBZ singing VVG through IN the DT hum NN of IN pipes NNS . SENT The DT words NNS are VBP in IN a DT different JJ language NN , , long JJ and CC beautiful JJ . SENT While IN we're NN waiting VVG , , I PP take VVP down RP the DT shoe NN box NN from IN the DT closet NN and CC pull VV out RP my PP$ favorite JJ letter NN . SENT The DT envelope NN has VHZ the DT stamp NN of IN a DT moose NN on IN it PP , , pasted VVN next JJ to TO a DT black JJ circle NN that WDT says VVZ fairbanks NP ak NNS around IN the DT edge NN . SENT I PP open VVP the DT letter NN carefully RB , , because IN it's NNS tearing VVG at IN the DT folds NNS . SENT Dear NP kids NNS , , A DT few JJ days NNS ago IN we PP saw VVD the DT first JJ aurora NN borealis NNS , , which WDT are VBP these DT swirling JJ green JJ lights NNS up RB in IN the DT sky NN . SENT They're NN kind NN of IN like IN a DT gigantic JJ moving VVG curtain NN . SENT You PP know VVP when WRB people NNS say VVP breathtaking JJ . SENT They PP actually RB took VVD my PP$ breath NN . SENT I PP wish VVP you'd NNS been VBN here RB to TO see VV them PP . SENT Maybe RB soon RB , , when WRB we PP find VVP our PP$ own JJ place NN , , you PP can MD come VV up RP to TO visit VV . SENT Ian NP , , you'd JJ get VVP a DT kick NN out RP of IN Matt's NP brother NN . SENT He PP has VHZ a DT big JJ red JJ beard NN and CC breeds VVZ sled NN dogs NNS , , which WDT he PP keeps VVZ outside RB even RB in IN the DT rain NN . SENT They're NP the DT best RBS behaved VVN dogs NNS in IN the DT world NN nothing NN like IN Zoomer NP . SENT . SENT You PP tell VVP them PP to TO stay VV , , just RB like IN that DT , , and CC they PP don't VVD move NN for IN as RB long JJ as IN you PP can MD watch VV . SENT None NN of IN the DT schools NNS here RB need VVP music NN teachers NNS , , so RB I've JJ been VBN keeping VVG at IN home NN while IN Matt NP teaches VVZ . SENT I'm NN trying VVG to TO prepare VV myself PP for IN the DT all DT day NN darkness NN . SENT Sometimes RB I PP think VVP about IN your PP$ real JJ mother NN and CC get VV jealous JJ and CC upset JJ because IN she PP could MD have VH taken VVN you PP with IN her PP . SENT But CC I PP can't VVD , , your PP$ dad NN would MD never RB let VV me PP . SENT Other JJ times NNS I PP think VVP about IN things NNS I PP want VVP to TO say VV to TO you PP and CC send VV them PP to TO you PP in IN my PP$ head NN . SENT I PP even RB close VV my PP$ eyes NNS . SENT Matt's NP brother NN has VHZ this DT tape NN , , about IN mind NN reading NN . SENT It PP says VVZ you're NN supposed VVN to TO picture NN your PP$ thoughts NNS like IN snowballs NNS . SENT You're NP supposed VVD to TO pack VV them PP really RB tight RB , , I PP guess VVP to TO make VV you PP concentrate VV . SENT Crazy JJ , , I PP know VVP . SENT Once RB in IN a DT while IN I'll NP hear VVP one CD of IN your PP$ voices NNS in IN my PP$ head NN , , saying VVG hello NN Mom NP or CC are VBP you PP happy JJ , , and CC I PP wonder VVP if IN you're NN sending VVG me PP snowballs NNS too RB . SENT XOXO NP Mom NP Caitlin NP asks VVZ me PP to TO read VV it PP out RP loud RB again RB and CC I PP do VVP , , skipping VVG the DT lines NNS about IN our PP$ real JJ mother NN , , who WP died VVD in IN the DT hospital NN when WRB she PP was VBD born VVN . SENT Afterward RB , , we PP sit VVP on IN the DT bed NN and CC choose VV a DT message NN to TO send VV with IN our PP$ brains NNS . SENT A DT single JJ word NN , , to TO make VV it PP easy JJ . SENT Then RB we PP close VV our PP$ eyes NNS and CC beam VV it PP at IN Mom NP in IN the DT bathroom NN , , packing VVG the DT word NN into IN a DT snowball NN , , a DT hard JJ and CC shiny JJ secret NN . SENT Stay VV . SENT Later RBR , , she PP asks VVZ us PP to TO help VV with IN her PP$ hair NN , , which WDT looks VVZ brown JJ and CC seaweedy JJ from IN the DT shower NN . SENT Caitlin NP and CC I PP take VVP turns VVZ with IN the DT dryer NN , , trying VVG to TO make VV her PP$ hair NN as IN nice JJ as RB possible JJ for IN my PP$ father NN . SENT It PP shimmers VVZ under IN the DT hotness NN and CC turns VVZ blond JJ again RB . SENT Va NP Va NP Va NP Bloom NP . SENT Caitlin NP shouts VVZ , , pushing VVG her PP into IN our PP$ room NN . SENT This DT is VBZ the DT name NN of IN the DT lipstick NN we PP picked VVD out RP . SENT We PP bought VVD it PP yesterday NN at IN Walgreens NP , , while IN Dad NP was VBD shopping VVG for IN garbage NN bags NNS . SENT My PP$ mom NN looks VVZ at IN her PP$ suspiciously RB but CC tries VVZ the DT lipstick NN , , puckering VVG her PP$ lips NNS at IN the DT mirror NN , , which WDT makes VVZ me PP think VVP maybe RB she PP heard VVD our PP$ thoughts NNS through IN the DT wall NN . SENT She PP unpuckers VVZ her PP$ lips NNS when WRB she PP sees VVZ all PDT the DT presents NNS on IN my PP$ dresser NN . SENT For IN a DT minute NN , , her PP$ face NN looks VVZ frozen JJ . SENT I PP forgot VVD about IN drawing VVG that IN , , she PP says VVZ finally RB , , staring VVG at IN the DT smiley NP faced VVD woman NN clutching VVG her PP$ harpoon NN . SENT Did VVD you PP think VVP of IN me PP like VVP that IN . SENT I PP nod NN , , hoping VVG it PP will MD make VV her PP$ happy JJ . SENT She PP looks VVZ out RP the DT window NN . SENT I PP want VVP to TO ask VV her PP about IN the DT aurora NN borealis NN , , or CC the DT sled NN dogs NNS in IN the DT rain NN , , but CC something NN in IN her PP$ face NN makes VVZ me PP think VVP twice RB . SENT Does VVZ Fairbanks NP get VV below IN zero CD . SENT I PP ask VVP . SENT The DT idea NN seems VVZ incredible JJ . SENT She PP frowns VVZ , , turning VVG the DT globe NN so IN we PP can't VVD see VV Alaska NP . SENT You PP know VVP how WRB cold JJ it PP is VBZ . SENT No DT one NN can MD turn VV their PP$ engines NNS off RP . SENT They PP just RB leave VVP them PP running VVG in IN the DT parking NN lot NN , , like IN a DT humungous JJ smog NN machine NN . SENT While IN we're NN waiting VVG for IN the DT pizza NN guy NN to TO show VV up RP with IN dinner NN , , Caitlin NP and CC I PP go VVP to TO find VV my PP$ father NN , , who's NNS lying VVG in IN bed NN and CC reading VVG his PP$ favorite JJ book NN , , Strange NP but CC True NP Dog NP Tales NP . SENT He PP takes VVZ off RP his PP$ plastic JJ earmuffs NNS . SENT We PP have VHP to TO lie VV and CC say VV that IN my PP$ mom NN begged VVN him PP to TO join VV us PP . SENT Even RB then RB , , he PP shows VVZ up RP at IN the DT table NN with IN his PP$ book NN , , barely RB glancing VVG at IN her PP$ lips NNS before IN going VVG back NN to TO whatever WDT he PP was VBD reading VVG . SENT Listen VV to TO this DT , , he PP says VVZ . SENT The DT faithful JJ dog NN Hachiko NP , , from IN Tokyo NP , , Japan NP , , was VBD famously RB attached VVN to TO his PP$ master NN , , Professor NP Eisaburo NP Uyeno NP . SENT Each DT day NN , , Hachi NP would MD accompany VV Professor NP Uyeno NP to TO the DT train NN station NN when WRB he PP left VVD for IN work NN and CC meet VV him PP there RB , , tail JJ wagging VVG , , upon IN his PP$ return NN . SENT My PP$ dad NN reads VVZ how WRB Professor NP Uyeno NP died VVD at IN work NN one CD day NN and CC Hachi NP went VVD to TO the DT train NN station NN like IN always RB , , waiting VVG for IN him PP to TO come VV back RB . SENT He PP did VVD this DT for IN more JJR than IN ten CD years NNS . SENT Finally RB Hachi NP died VVD too RB , , in IN the DT same JJ spot NN he'd NN last JJ seen VVN his PP$ friend NN alive JJ . SENT When WRB he PP gets VVZ to TO this DT part NN , , my PP$ dad's JJ eyes NNS mist NN up RP , , though IN he's NNS read VVP this DT story NN to TO us PP before IN . SENT He PP seems VVZ to TO have VH chosen VVN it PP on IN purpose NN . SENT Incredible JJ . SENT They've NP put VVD up RP a DT statue NN of IN him PP in IN the DT train NN station NN . SENT Mom NN glares VVZ at IN him PP , , her PP$ eyes NNS not RB misted VVD at IN all DT . SENT Is VBZ this RB how WRB you PP entertain VV the DT children NNS . SENT What WP . SENT he PP says VVZ . SENT They PP love VVP these DT stories NNS . SENT No UH , , we PP don't VVD , , I PP say VVP . SENT The DT lie NN makes VVZ me PP fidget VV . SENT My PP$ father NN looks VVZ at IN me PP , , betrayed VVN . SENT He PP frowns VVZ at IN Caitlin NP and CC then RB back RB at IN me PP . SENT What WP about IN Daisy NP , , the DT poodle NN with IN psychic JJ powers NNS . SENT I PP look VVP down RB at IN the DT table NN . SENT Caitlin NP starts VVZ blowing VVG bubbles NNS in IN her PP$ milk NN , , which WDT she PP does VVZ when WRB she PP gets VVZ nervous JJ . SENT Mom NN has VHZ ESP NP , , she PP says VVZ . SENT She PP can MD hear VV our PP$ thoughts NNS . SENT Dad NP blinks VVZ at IN my PP$ mother NN , , who WP blushes VVZ pink JJ again RB . SENT She PP smooths VVZ the DT static JJ from IN her PP$ lap NN . SENT It's NP nothing NN . SENT Just RB something NN I PP feel VVP sometimes RB . SENT Your PP$ mother NN does VVZ not RB have VH ESP NP , , he PP says VVZ . SENT That's NNS ridiculous JJ . SENT My PP$ dad NN goes VVZ back RB to TO his PP$ book NN but CC keeps VVZ glancing VVG up RP at IN the DT three CD of IN us PP , , as RB though IN he's NNS jealous JJ of IN something NN . SENT When WRB the DT pizza NN comes VVZ , , he PP insists VVZ on IN saying VVG grace NN . SENT Praise VV God NP from IN whom WP all DT blessings NNS flow NN , , he PP says VVZ , , praise VV God NP all DT animals NNS here RB below RB . SENT Instead RB of IN saying VVG amen NN , , he PP and CC Caitlin NP bark NN into IN their PP$ pressed VVN together RB hands NNS . SENT It PP started VVD out RP as IN a DT joke NN , , but CC since IN Zoomer NP died VVN we've NNS been VBN doing VVG it PP every DT night NN like IN a DT religious JJ event NN . SENT My PP$ mom NN scrapes VVZ her PP$ chair NN . SENT Is VBZ this DT normal JJ behavior NN around IN here RB . SENT Maybe RB you PP have VHP a DT better JJR prayer NN , , my PP$ dad NN mumbles NNS . SENT About IN logarithms NNS . SENT What WP . SENT I'm NP sorry RB . SENT I PP promised VVD . SENT He PP looks VVZ at IN the DT dog NN bowl NN in IN the DT corner NN , , his PP$ voice NN catching VVG in IN his PP$ throat NN . SENT I PP just RB miss VVP Zoomer NP , , is VBZ all RB . SENT I PP keep VVP waiting VVG for IN him PP to TO start VV whimpering NN and CC paw VV my PP$ lap NN . SENT Logarithms NNS are VBP covered VVN in IN ants NNS , , I PP sing VVP . SENT Throw VV them PP in IN the DT fire NN , , dance NN dance NN dance NN . SENT Why WRB don't JJ you PP just RB go VV and CC get VV him PP . SENT Mom NN says VVZ , , ignoring VVG me PP . SENT What WP . SENT Zoomer JJR . SENT From IN Dog NP Heaven NN . SENT Go VV there RB and CC bring VV him PP home NN . SENT Dad NP stares NNS at IN her PP in IN disbelief NN . SENT Just RB whip NN up RP there EX myself PP . SENT Sure RB , , she PP says VVZ , , shrugging VVG . SENT If IN you PP miss VVP him PP so RB much RB . SENT Christ NP , , Jane NP . SENT Do VV you PP think VVP I PP wouldn't JJ . SENT What WP . SENT Has VHZ he PP been VBN biting VVG other JJ dogs NNS . SENT How WRB in IN God's NP name NN would MD I PP know VV . SENT Dad NP whispers NNS . SENT He PP puts VVZ his PP$ face NN in IN his PP$ hands NNS . SENT After IN a DT minute NN he PP gets VVZ up RP and CC grabs NNS Zoomer's NP bowl NN before IN trudging VVG back RB to TO his PP$ room NN . SENT This DT is VBZ not RB how WRB we've JJ planned JJ things NNS . SENT My PP$ dad NN used VVN to TO make VV us PP laugh VV all PDT the DT time NN , , but CC now RB he PP cries VVZ at IN the DT table NN for IN no DT reason NN . SENT Last JJ month NN , , at IN the DT airport NN , , he PP saw VVD a DT man NN die NN . SENT Another DT ramp NN agent NN . SENT The DT guy NN stepped VVD too RB close VV to TO the DT engine NN of IN a DT 747 CD and CC flew VVD headfirst RB into IN it PP , , like IN Superman NN . SENT I PP wish VVP I PP could MD tell VV this DT story NN to TO Mom NP , , because IN it PP might MD help VV her PP understand VV something NN . SENT A DT pepperoni's NNS hanging VVG from IN the DT slice NN of IN pizza NN in IN her PP$ hand NN , , caught VVN in IN a DT cheese NN slide NN to TO her PP$ plate NN . SENT He's NNS sad JJ because IN of IN you PP , , I PP tell VVP my PP$ mom NN , , glancing VVG at IN Caitlin NP . SENT If IN you PP stayed VVD here RB , , longer RB , , it PP would MD help VV him PP . SENT Oh UH , , Ian NP . SENT My PP$ mom NN sighs NNS , , napkining VVG her PP$ lipstick NN . SENT I'm NP not RB the DT sort NN of IN help NN he PP needs VVZ . SENT In IN the DT middle NN of IN the DT night NN , , I PP get VVP Caitlin NP up RP and CC we PP slip VVP from IN our PP$ beds NNS , , tiptoeing VVG through IN the DT TV NN room NN where WRB my PP$ mom NN sleeps VVZ on IN the DT fold VVP out IN couch NN . SENT This DT is VBZ part NN two CD of IN our PP$ plan NN . SENT We PP sneak VV into IN the DT kitchen NN and CC I PP go VVP through IN the DT knife NN drawer NN , , testing VVG the DT tips NNS . SENT Insects NNS buzz VV all RB around IN us PP , , like IN static JJ . SENT Caitlin's NP too RB nervous JJ to TO speak VV . SENT Quietly RB , , I PP open VVP the DT freezer NN and CC check NN on IN Zoomer NP , , who's NNS grown VVN another DT icicle NN . SENT I PP ask VVP him PP if IN we're NNS being VBG bad JJ dogs NNS . SENT He PP doesn't VVD answer VV me PP , , only RB looks VVZ . SENT I'm NP not RB a DT dog NN , , Caitlin NP whispers NNS . SENT In IN the DT daylight NN , , you PP can MD see VV the DT stabs NNS in IN the DT rubber NN , , pushed VVD out RP like IN lips NNS . SENT There's RB one CD on IN each DT of IN the DT tires NNS , , which WDT have VHP sunk VVN down RP to TO the DT hubcaps NNS . SENT Dad NP circles VVZ the DT car NN in IN his PP$ robe NN . SENT A DT wishbone NN of IN veins NNS bulges NNS from IN his PP$ temple NN . SENT He PP eyes NNS me PP and CC Caitlin NP , , who's NNS squatting VVG in IN the DT yard NN and CC plucking VVG at IN some DT weeds NNS . SENT For IN some DT reason NN , , she's NNS covering VVG the DT scar NN on IN her PP$ cheek NN . SENT I PP don't VVD believe VV this DT , , Mom NP says VVZ . SENT She PP sits VVZ on IN the DT hood NN , , pinching VVG the DT wedge NN of IN nose NN between IN her PP$ eyes NNS . SENT I PP just RB put VVD new JJ tires NNS on IN . SENT I'm NP worried VVD Caitlin NP might MD say VV something NN , , but CC she's NNS too RB busy JJ killing VVG weeds NNS . SENT A DT homeless JJ guy NN walks VVZ by IN on IN the DT other JJ side NN of IN the DT street NN , , pushing VVG his PP$ shopping NN cart NN up IN the DT sidewalk NN and CC yelling VVG at IN the DT lady NN in IN front NN of IN him PP , , who's NNS riding VVG an DT electric JJ wheelchair NN . SENT Fucking VVG cunt NN . SENT he PP yells VVZ . SENT I PP told VVD you PP that IN from IN the DT first JJ beginning NN . SENT My PP$ mom NN glares VVZ at IN my PP$ father NN , , as RB though IN the DT bad JJ words NNS are VBP his PP$ fault NN . SENT Sunday NP in IN the DT neighborhood NN , , she PP says VVZ . SENT Hell UH , , Dad NP says VVZ , , still RB looking VVG at IN the DT tires NNS . SENT He PP squints VVZ down RP the DT road NN . SENT I PP don't VVD know VV what's NNS going VVG to TO be VB open JJ . SENT One CD place NN , , it PP turns VVZ out RP , , but CC it's NNS in IN South NP Tucson NP and CC my PP$ dad NN can't NN get VVP anyone NN at IN the DT tire NN shop NN who WP speaks VVZ English JJ . SENT My PP$ mom NN calls VVZ our PP$ Aunt NN Tina NP in IN Texas NP , , her PP$ voice NN taut JJ and CC whispery NN . SENT Still RB , , the DT plan NN works VVZ out RP even RB better RBR than IN we PP thought VVD , , because IN she PP can't VVD drive VV a DT stick NN shift NN and CC my PP$ father NN has VHZ to TO take VV the DT four CD of IN us PP to TO the DT Desert NP Museum NP in IN our PP$ Blazer NP . SENT There's RB some DT dog NN fur NN on IN the DT passenger NN seat NN , , and CC Mom NP brushes NNS it PP into IN a DT little JJ tumbleweed NN and CC sticks VVZ it PP in IN the DT ashtray NN before IN sitting VVG down RP . SENT She PP has VHZ to TO sit VV on IN her PP$ hair NN , , because IN the DT air NN conditioning's NNS going VVG full JJ blast NN . SENT It PP smells VVZ like IN zombie NN breath NN . SENT Some DT rats NNS were VBD living VVG in IN the DT engine NN for IN a DT while NN and CC never RB got VVD out RP . SENT Amazingly RB , , my PP$ dad NN has VHZ on IN a DT fancy JJ looking VVG shirt NN with IN a DT little JJ button NN at IN the DT back NN of IN the DT collar NN , , which WDT I PP haven't VVD seen VVN him PP wear VVP since IN he PP was VBD senior JJ loan NN officer NN at IN the DT bank NN . SENT His PP$ hair NN is VBZ combed VVN back RB , , parted VVD straight RB as IN a DT pencil NN . SENT Caitlin NP and CC I PP watch VVP him PP in IN the DT rearview NN mirror NN . SENT He PP keeps VVZ his PP$ eyes NNS on IN the DT road NN , , glancing VVG now RB and CC then RB at IN the DT dog NN hair NN in IN the DT ashtray NN . SENT We PP leave VVP the DT haze NN of IN the DT city NN and CC drive NN toward IN the DT mountains NNS , , which WDT from IN a DT distance NN look NN as IN barren JJ as IN the DT moon NN . SENT When WRB we PP pass VVP Bianchi's NP Pizza NP , , the DT mountains NNS suddenly RB go VVP 3 CD D NP , , cactuses NNS everywhere RB you PP look VVP , , their PP$ corduroy NN arms NNS shimmering VVG in IN the DT sun NN . SENT It's NNS like IN a DT see VVP through IN forest NN . SENT Some DT of IN the DT cactuses NNS have VHP white JJ flowers NNS blooming VVG out RP the DT tops NNS in IN Martian JJ clumps NNS . SENT We PP wind VVP up RP Gates NP Pass NP Road NP , , driving VVG by IN the DT scenic JJ turnout NN where WRB I PP used VVD to TO set VV up RP kamikaze NN jumps NNS for IN my PP$ bike NN . SENT Can MD we PP look VV at IN the DT house NN . SENT I PP ask VVP . SENT No RB , , Dad NP says VVZ . SENT Mom NN gives VVZ him PP a DT funny JJ look NN . SENT You PP take VVP them PP by IN the DT Via NP Roma NP house NN . SENT Sometimes RB . SENT He PP coughs NNS and CC meets VVZ my PP$ eyes NNS in IN the DT rearview NN mirror NN . SENT If IN we're NN up RB here RB anyway RB . SENT Something NN sad JJ drifts NNS into IN my PP$ mom's NNS face VVP . SENT She PP looks VVZ out RP the DT window NN , , watching VVG the DT street NN signs NNS . SENT Does VVZ it PP look VVP the DT same JJ . SENT They've NP put VVD in IN a DT hot JJ tub NN . SENT Where WRB the DT deck NN used VVN to TO be VB . SENT Dad NP fiddles VVZ with IN the DT mirror NN . SENT It's NNS good JJ for IN the DT , , um NP , , javelinas NP . SENT Speeds NNS up IN the DT mating NN process NN . SENT Mom NN actually RB smiles VVZ . SENT I PP catch VVP Caitlin's NP eye NN and CC we PP sort NN of IN chuckle NN along IN in IN the DT backseat NN , , even RB though IN I PP don't VVD really RB get VV the DT punch NN line NN . SENT How WRB long RB has VHZ it PP been VBN since IN he PP said VVD something NN funny JJ . SENT I PP think VVP up RP a DT song NN . SENT Javelinas NNS are VBP mating VVG , , why WRB aren't JJ you PP . SENT Javelinas NNS in IN the DT hot JJ tub NN , , cook VV me PP a DT stew NN . SENT What WP on IN earth NN is VBZ that IN . SENT Mom NN asks VVZ , , laughing VVG . SENT A DT commercial NN . SENT A DT song NN . SENT Caitlin NP says VVZ ecstatically RB . SENT My NP God NP . SENT Where WRB does VVZ he PP get VV that IN from IN . SENT My PP$ dad NN frowns NNS in IN the DT mirror NN . SENT Where WRB do VVP you PP think VVP . SENT At IN the DT Desert NP Museum NP , , everyone NN stares NNS at IN my PP$ mother's JJ hair NN , , as RB though IN it's JJ one NN of IN the DT exhibits NNS . SENT It's NP so RB hot JJ that IN the DT animals NNS mostly RB shadow VV bathe NN without IN moving VVG . SENT We PP look VVP at IN the DT bighorn NN sheep NN , , the DT coatis NN , , the DT black JJ bear NN lurking VVG in IN its PP$ cave NN . SENT I PP rush VVP my PP$ dad NN past IN the DT Mexican JJ wolf NN sleeping NN like IN roadkill NN , , worried VVD he PP might MD start VV thinking VVG of IN Zoomer NP and CC get VV distracted VVN . SENT In IN Cat NP Canyon NP , , the DT jaguarundi NN slumps NNS on IN a DT rock NN and CC just RB sort NN of IN eyes NNS us PP in IN a DT depressed JJ way NN , , and CC Dad NP says VVZ it's NNS because IN all PDT the DT jaguars NNS say VVP Yo NP , , jaguarundi NN . SENT whenever WRB they PP see VVP him PP . SENT For IN the DT yo NP part NN , , he PP uses VVZ a DT dopey JJ Italian JJ voice NN . SENT This DT is VBZ the DT second JJ joke NN in IN one CD day NN , , a DT miracle NN , , so IN Caitlin NP and CC I PP go VVP spastic NN laughing VVG and CC spend VV a DT long JJ time NN trying VVG to TO duplicate VV my PP$ dad's NNS voice NN . SENT Mom NN laughs VVZ too RB , , smiling VVG her PP$ new JJ wrinkles NNS . SENT All DT around IN us PP are VBP families NNS , , normal JJ ones NNS with IN two CD parents NNS , , and CC it PP makes VVZ my PP$ heart NN jump NN ahead RB that IN we're NN the DT same JJ as IN everyone NN else RB . SENT Outside IN the DT Hummingbird NP Aviary NN , , my PP$ mom NN gets VVZ sort NN of IN quiet JJ again RB and CC puts VVZ her PP$ hand NN on IN my PP$ head NN . SENT This DT is VBZ my PP$ favorite JJ part NN of IN the DT museum NN . SENT There EX must MD be VB a DT thousand CD hummingbirds NNS in IN one CD little JJ place NN , , which WDT means VVZ they PP dart NN around IN you PP and CC hover VV at IN your PP$ face NN and CC zip NN past IN your PP$ ear NN like IN the DT letter NN Z NN in IN flight NN . SENT It's NNS scary JJ and CC beautiful JJ at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT The DT birds NNS are VBP all RB different JJ colors NNS , , and CC you PP have VHP to TO keep VV yourself PP from IN swatting VVG them PP like IN flies NNS . SENT Mom NN barely RB makes VVZ it PP through IN the DT door NN before IN they PP swarm NN all RB around IN her PP , , attracted VVN to TO her PP$ hair NN . SENT She PP closes VVZ her PP$ eyes NNS and CC doesn't JJ move NN an DT inch NN . SENT They PP shoot VVP around IN her PP$ head NN like IN sparks NNS . SENT Dad NP calls VVZ her PP the DT Bird NP Lady NP , , and CC Caitlin NP and CC I PP take VVP the DT end NN of IN her PP$ hair NN and CC stretch VV it PP as RB far RB as IN we PP can MD walk VV so RB that IN she PP laughs VVZ and CC does VVZ a DT curtsy NN . SENT One CD of IN the DT hummingbirds NNS actually RB lands NNS on IN the DT bridge NN of IN hair NN we've NN made VVD , , still RB as IN a DT picture NN . SENT It PP makes VVZ my PP$ breath NN stop VV moving VVG , , too RB . SENT On IN the DT drive NN back RB we PP barely RB talk VVP , , the DT sun NN burning NN through IN my PP$ shorts NNS . SENT My PP$ mom NN spots VVZ some DT coyotes NN in IN the DT road NN and CC touches NNS my PP$ dad's NNS leg NN . SENT He PP brakes NNS the DT car NN . SENT The DT coyotes NNS cross VVP in IN front NN of IN us PP and CC saunter VV into IN some DT shrubs NNS . SENT Dad NP doesn't NP move NN . SENT Mom NN keeps VVZ her PP$ hand NN there RB for IN a DT few JJ seconds NNS before IN snapping VVG out RP of IN her PP$ trance NN . SENT I PP do VVP miss VV it PP here RB , , she PP says VVZ . SENT When WRB we PP get VVP home NN , , Dad NP checks VVZ the DT answering VVG machine NN while IN Mom's NP in IN the DT bathroom NN . SENT An DT old JJ man's NN voice NN , , deep JJ and CC crackly RB . SENT The DT skull NN doctor NN , , he PP calls VVZ himself PP . SENT He PP says VVZ he's NNS back RB from IN vacation NN and CC to TO send VV Zoomer's NP head NN in IN for IN a DT beetle JJ bath NN . SENT My PP$ dad NN looks VVZ embarrassed JJ . SENT I PP flash VVP Caitlin NP a DT secret JJ look NN . SENT What WP a DT kook NN , , Dad NP says VVZ , , frowning VVG . SENT He PP slips VVZ into IN a DT TV NN voice NN . SENT Beetles NNS , , take VV me PP away RP . SENT Later RBR , , after IN we've NN gone VVN to TO bed NN , , I PP can MD hear VV Mom NP and CC Dad NP talking VVG in IN the DT kitchen NN . SENT I'd NP forgotten VVN what WP it PP sounded VVD like IN , , the DT deep JJ and CC high JJ responding VVG to TO each DT other JJ . SENT It PP makes VVZ me PP feel VVP safe JJ and CC rich JJ again RB . SENT I PP nudge VV the DT top JJ bunk NN with IN my PP$ foot NN , , and CC Caitlin NP and CC I PP get VVP up RB quietly RB and CC sneak VV down RP the DT dark JJ hall NN to TO watch VV . SENT Mom NN is VBZ sitting VVG on IN the DT floor NN of IN the DT kitchen NN , , my PP$ father NN crouched VVD behind IN her PP in IN a DT chair NN . SENT Her PP$ hair NN spills VVZ over IN his PP$ legs NNS . SENT He PP brushes VVZ it PP slowly RB , , starting VVG at IN the DT top NN of IN her PP$ head NN and CC following VVG it PP down RP to TO the DT mess NN in IN his PP$ lap NN . SENT Each DT stroke NN takes VVZ a DT long JJ time NN . SENT If IN he PP goes VVZ too RB fast RB , , my PP$ mom NN turns VVZ stiff JJ and CC bunches NNS her PP$ shoulders NNS . SENT Caitlin NP stiffens VVZ along RP with IN her PP in IN the DT dark NN . SENT Dad NP rests VVZ his PP$ arm NN between IN brushes NNS and CC then RB starts VVZ again RB at IN the DT top NN . SENT What WP a DT pain NN in IN the DT hair NN , , he PP says VVZ , , his PP$ voice NN small JJ and CC serious JJ . SENT I PP always RB liked VVD it PP short JJ . SENT but CC it's NNS more JJR of IN a DT fact NN than IN a DT complaint NN , , like IN maybe RB they'd NN be VB better JJR off RP without IN it PP . SENT Though IN it's NNS his PP$ day NN off RP , , Dad NP actually RB gets VVZ up RP early RB the DT next JJ morning NN to TO cook VV breakfast NN , , his PP$ hair NN combed VVN back RB again RB like IN a DT banker's NNS . SENT He PP makes VVZ Mom NP laugh NN by IN flipping VVG pancakes NNS at IN the DT ceiling NN . SENT He PP even RB finds VVZ a DT garage NN for IN her PP$ where WRB they PP speak VVP English JJ . SENT Caitlin NP and CC I PP squeeze VVP along RB in IN the DT tow NN truck NN with IN my PP$ mom NN , , watching VVG TV NN in IN the DT waiting VVG room NN while IN her PP$ tires NNS get VV changed VVN . SENT She PP checks VVZ her PP$ watch NN during IN commercials NNS , , craning VVG her PP$ neck NN to TO peer VV into IN the DT garage NN , , but CC after IN last JJ night NN I'm NN not RB worried VVN . SENT Through IN the DT window NN I PP can MD see VV a DT pack NN of IN clouds NNS , , inching VVG in IN from IN the DT mountains NNS , , creeping VVG like IN a DT spider NN on IN lightning NN legs NNS . SENT A DT monsoon NN , , I PP tell VVP my PP$ mother NN , , who WP bends VVZ close JJ to TO the DT window NN to TO look VV . SENT I PP love VVP that DT smell NN , , she PP says VVZ , , closing VVG her PP$ eyes NNS . SENT What WP smell NN . SENT Caitlin NP asks VVZ . SENT Wet JJ desert NN . SENT Mom NN looks VVZ hushed VVN and CC happy JJ . SENT I PP forgot VVD about IN it PP . SENT When WRB we PP get VVP home NN , , I'm NP sweating VVG from IN the DT storm NN in IN the DT air NN . SENT Mom NN goes VVZ to TO change VV her PP$ clothes NNS , , and CC I PP slink VV into IN the DT kitchen NN and CC open VV the DT freezer NN to TO cool VV off RP . SENT Empty JJ . SENT No DT Zoomer NP . SENT Caitlin NP comes VVZ over RP and CC does VVZ a DT wide JJ eyed VVD blink NN , , because IN the DT plan's NNS working VVG even RB better JJR than IN we PP thought VVD . SENT I PP stick VVP my PP$ head NN inside NN , , which WDT feels VVZ like IN dog NN heaven NN . SENT I'm NN basking VVG in IN the DT cold NN when WRB my PP$ mother NN screams VVZ . SENT A DT screech NN , , like IN the DT squeal NN of IN a DT car NN . SENT I PP rush VVP out RP to TO the DT backyard NN . SENT She's NNS standing VVG on IN the DT porch NN and CC staring VVG down RP at IN my PP$ father NN , , who's NNS kneeling VVG over IN a DT dead JJ dog NN in IN the DT dirt NN , , the DT back NN of IN his PP$ Born VVN to TO Run VV T NN shirt NN soaked VVN with IN sweat NN . SENT He PP has VHZ his PP$ earmuffs NNS on IN and CC doesn't NN hear VVP us PP . SENT The DT tool NN in IN his PP$ hands NNS whines NNS through IN Zoomer's NP neck NN . SENT Our PP$ battery NN powered VVN carving VVG knife NN . SENT Just RB as IN the DT head NN slumps NNS off RB , , Dad NP notices NNS us PP by IN the DT screen NN door NN . SENT He PP turns VVZ red JJ and CC stands VVZ up RP quickly RB , , carving VVG knife NN hanging VVG at IN his PP$ side NN . SENT There's NP blood NN on IN his PP$ T NN shirt NN , , freckling VVG Bruce NP Springsteen's NP face NN . SENT You're NP back RB early RB , , my PP$ father NN says VVZ , , yanking VVG the DT earmuffs NNS to TO his PP$ neck NN . SENT I PP wasn't VVD expecting VVG you PP . SENT For IN an DT hour NN . SENT He PP looks VVZ at IN the DT head NN , , which WDT has VHZ rolled VVN away RB from IN its PP$ body NN and CC is VBZ staring VVG dead RB faced VVN at IN the DT sky NN , , tongue NN tossed VVD back RB like IN a DT scarf NN . SENT Took VVD forever RB to TO melt VV . SENT Zoom VV Zoom VV . SENT He's NP finally RB thawed VVD through RP . SENT He's NNS shaking VVG , , eyes NNS pink JJ and CC bleary JJ . SENT He PP bends VVZ down RB and CC picks VVZ up IN Zoomer's NP head NN , , like IN a DT baseball NN . SENT I'm NN sending VVG it PP to TO the DT skull NN doctor NN . SENT My PP$ mom NN just RB stands VVZ there RB . SENT What WP . SENT The DT renderer NN . SENT He's NNS preparing VVG the DT skull NN . SENT He PP only RB wants VVZ Zoomer's NP head NN . SENT She PP turns VVZ to TO me PP , , white JJ as IN her PP$ eyebrows NNS . SENT He PP has VHZ some DT beetles NNS that'll NN eat VVP off RP his PP$ face NN , , I PP explain VVP . SENT This DT doesn't NN seem VVP to TO help VV . SENT Caitlin NP starts VVZ to TO cry VV , , staring VVG at IN the DT headless JJ Zoomer NP . SENT Mom NN puts VVZ a DT hand NN over IN Caitlin's NP eyes NNS and CC leads VVZ her PP into IN the DT kitchen NN . SENT My PP$ dad NN stands VVZ in IN the DT yard NN for IN a DT minute NN , , holding VVG the DT head NN in IN front NN of IN him PP . SENT He PP lays VVZ it PP on IN the DT porch NN with IN two CD hands NNS and CC then RB follows VVZ my PP$ mom NN inside NN , , trying VVG to TO explain VV about IN Zoomer's NP cancer NN and CC how WRB close JJ they PP were VBD before IN he PP died VVD . SENT So IN you've NN got VVD the DT kids NNS lying VVG for IN you PP . SENT Mom NN stares NNS at IN the DT wide JJ open JJ door NN of IN the DT freezer NN . SENT As RB if IN for IN the DT first JJ time NN , , she PP takes VVZ in IN the DT bubbled VVN wallpaper NN and CC stove NN crusted VVN with IN food NN before IN fastening VVG on IN the DT sink NN , , our PP$ dishes NNS towered JJ there RB from IN breakfast NN . SENT Caitlin NP is VBZ still RB crying VVG , , a DT worm NN of IN snot NN peeking VVG from IN her PP$ nose NN . SENT Look VV at IN this DT dump NN . SENT It's NNS no RB wonder VVP they're NN traumatized VVD . SENT You PP can't VVD even RB take VV care NN of IN yourself PP . SENT My PP$ mom NN closes VVZ her PP$ eyes NNS . SENT I PP should MD have VH seen VVN this DT coming VVG . SENT My PP$ dad's NNS face NN looks VVZ sore JJ , , as RB though IN he's NNS been VBN slapped VVN . SENT Right RB , , he PP mumbles VVZ . SENT With IN your PP$ psychic JJ powers NNS . SENT What WP . SENT ESP NP . SENT Very RB convenient JJ . SENT You PP can MD skip VV off RP to TO Alaska NP and CC still RB talk VV to TO the DT kids NNS every DT day NN . SENT You're NNS going VVG to TO talk VV to TO me PP about IN raising VVG kids NNS . SENT Dad NP smiles VVZ in IN an DT ugly JJ way NN . SENT He PP bows VVZ his PP$ head NN and CC puts VVZ his PP$ fingers NNS to TO his PP$ temples NNS , , as RB though IN remembering VVG a DT date NN . SENT Go VV ahead RB , , psychic JJ woman NN . SENT Show VV us PP your PP$ powers NNS . SENT I'm NN thinking NN of IN a DT word NN . SENT Don't NP , , Howard NP . SENT Jesus NP . SENT It PP starts VVZ with IN W NP . SENT We'll NP be VB normal JJ , , I PP say VVP . SENT My PP$ mom NN covers VVZ her PP$ ears NNS . SENT I PP should MD never RB have VH stayed VVN here RB . SENT I PP knew VVD this DT was VBD a DT mistake NN . SENT I PP grab VVP her PP$ hair NN . SENT I PP can't VVD think VV of IN a DT song NN right RB away RB and CC so RB I PP pull VVP it PP as RB far RB as IN it PP goes VVZ , , like IN we PP did VVD at IN the DT Desert NP Museum NP to TO make VV her PP$ laugh NN . SENT Ow NN . SENT she PP yells VVZ . SENT Ian NP , , that WDT hurts VVZ . SENT She PP rips VVZ her PP$ hair NN away RB from IN my PP$ hands NNS . SENT She PP goes VVZ into IN the DT TV NN room NN and CC shuts VVZ the DT door NN . SENT I PP can MD hear VV her PP inside IN packing VVG up RP her PP$ things NNS . SENT Outside IN again RB , , my PP$ dad NN digs VVZ a DT grave NN for IN Zoomer's NP body NN , , which WDT has VHZ started VVN to TO draw VV flies NNS . SENT He PP mutters VVZ to TO himself PP as IN he PP works VVZ , , the DT earmuffs NNS still RB clamped VVN around IN his PP$ neck NN . SENT Afterward RB , , he PP seals VVZ Zoomer's NP head NN in IN a DT garbage NN bag NN and CC lays VVZ it PP tenderly RB in IN a DT box NN , , stuffing VVG the DT top NN with IN blue JJ ice NN packets NNS . SENT The DT box NN says VVZ fragile JJ on IN the DT side NN . SENT Go VV get VV your PP$ sister NN , , he PP tells VVZ me PP . SENT He PP holds VVZ the DT box NN in IN the DT air NN . SENT We're NNS going VVG to TO the DT post NN office NN . SENT Your PP$ mom NN wants VVZ to TO be VB alone RB . SENT No UH , , I PP say VVP . SENT She PP came VVD all PDT the DT way NN to TO see VV you PP . SENT She PP won't VVD sneak VV out RP before IN we PP get VVP back RB . SENT He PP grabs VVZ my PP$ arm NN and CC I PP start VVP to TO flail VV , , making VVG him PP drop VV the DT package NN with IN Zoomer's NP head NN in IN a DT prickly JJ pear NN . SENT My PP$ dad NN tightens VVZ his PP$ grip NN . SENT When WRB he PP speaks VVZ , , though RB , , his PP$ voice NN is VBZ calm JJ and CC gentle JJ . SENT She PP was VBD never RB going VVG to TO live VV with IN us PP . SENT Yes UH , , she PP was VBD . SENT I'm NP sorry RB , , kiddo NP . SENT She PP was VBD leaving VVG today NN anyway RB . SENT You PP can MD slash VV her PP$ tires NNS all RB you PP want VVP . SENT He PP loosens VVZ his PP$ grip NN . SENT A DT fly NN sits VVZ on IN his PP$ wedding NN ring NN , , like IN a DT jewel NN . SENT She PP gets VVZ sick JJ inside NN , , your PP$ mother NN . SENT You PP don't VVD realize VV that IN . SENT It's NP all RB hooray VV the DT greatest JJS for IN a DT while NN . SENT Everything's NNS breathtaking JJ . SENT Like IN Alaska NP , , I'm NP sure RB . SENT Then RB suddenly RB she PP can't VVD bear VV another DT minute NN . SENT His PP$ face NN looks VVZ weak JJ . SENT Weak JJ and CC stupid JJ , , the DT earmuffs NNS skewed VVN around IN his PP$ neck NN . SENT I PP yank VV my PP$ arm NN away RB and CC fish VV the DT box NN from IN the DT prickly JJ pear NN and CC hold VV it PP in IN front NN of IN my PP$ face NN . SENT Kiss VV me PP , , I PP say VVP like IN a DT woman NN . SENT My PP$ voice NN is VBZ shaking VVG . SENT Stop VV it PP , , he PP says VVZ . SENT I'm NP still RB alive JJ . SENT I PP want VVP your PP$ puppies NNS . SENT Stop VV it PP . SENT I PP push VVP the DT box NN at IN his PP$ face NN , , making VVG a DT kissing VVG sound NN with IN my PP$ lips NNS . SENT My PP$ dad NN grabs NNS it PP from IN my PP$ hands NNS . SENT I PP bolt RB away RB from IN him PP and CC run VV around RP the DT side NN of IN the DT house NN , , my PP$ shoes NNS slapping NN as IN they PP hit VVD the DT driveway NN . SENT Dogfucker NP . SENT I PP shout VVP . SENT I PP want VVP everyone NN to TO hear VV . SENT I PP run VVP into IN the DT front JJ yard NN , , which WDT smells VVZ sweet JJ and CC cindery JJ in IN the DT first JJ drops NNS of IN rain NN . SENT The DT drops NNS make VVP little JJ craters NNS in IN the DT dirt NN . SENT After IN a DT while NN , , my PP$ dad NN rounds NNS the DT house NN and CC walks VVZ down RP the DT driveway NN , , dragging VVG Caitlin NP by IN the DT hand NN . SENT The DT box NN with IN Zoomer's NP head NN is VBZ cradled VVN under IN one CD arm NN . SENT He PP looks VVZ at IN me PP for IN only RB a DT second JJ a DT sad JJ sort NN of IN Who WP are VBP you PP . SENT before IN getting VVG into IN the DT Blazer NP and CC backing VVG out RP the DT drive NN . SENT I PP lie VVP down RB in IN the DT dirt NN , , closing VVG my PP$ eyes NNS . SENT It PP starts VVZ to TO rain VV . SENT To TO pour VV . SENT It's NNS like IN the DT sky NN just RB opens VVZ up RP and CC collapses NNS . SENT Rain NN pelts VVZ my PP$ eyelids NNS , , gurgling VVG all DT around IN me PP . SENT My PP$ shirt NN soaks VVZ through IN , , painted VVN to TO my PP$ skin NN . SENT I PP can MD feel VV the DT ground NN melting VVG beneath IN me PP . SENT I PP can't VVD breathe VV or CC talk VV or CC open VV my PP$ eyes NNS . SENT The DT rain NN nibbles VVZ at IN my PP$ face NN , , eating VVG it PP away RB speck NN by IN speck NN . SENT Unless IN my PP$ mother NN finds VVZ me PP . SENT Unless IN she PP hears VVZ my PP$ thoughts NNS and CC runs VVZ out RP of IN the DT house NN and CC plucks VVZ me PP from IN the DT rain NN . SENT Help VV me PP , , I PP think VVP , , trying VVG to TO pack VV the DT thought NN into IN a DT snowball NN . SENT The DT ground NN is VBZ flooding VVG . SENT Water NN creeps VVZ up RP my PP$ neck NN , , warm JJ and CC bathtubby JJ . SENT I PP wait VV and CC wait VV and CC wait VV . SENT I PP beam NN more JJR thoughts NNS at IN my PP$ mother NN , , picturing VVG them PP like IN darts NN this DT time NN , , flying VVG through IN the DT window NN and CC bull's NNS eyeing VVG her PP$ brain NN . SENT Water NN seeps NNS into IN my PP$ ears NNS . SENT The DT rain NN goes VVZ quiet JJ , , devouring VVG my PP$ face NN . SENT I PP want VVP my PP$ mom NN to TO save VV me PP . SENT I PP want VVP to TO lie VV in IN bed NN with IN her PP , , snuggled VVN there RB till IN noon NN . SENT After IN a DT long JJ time NN , , the DT rain NN slows VVZ to TO a DT normal JJ drip NN . SENT Someone NN scoops VVZ me PP from IN the DT mud NN . SENT It's NP not RB my PP$ mother NN . SENT It's NP a DT strange JJ man NN , , lifting VVG me PP by IN the DT armpits NNS . SENT His PP$ glasses NNS are VBP steamed VVN into IN little JJ moons NNS . SENT He PP shakes VVZ me PP till IN my PP$ ears NNS unplug VV , , sparkling JJ inside NN from IN the DT leftover JJ water NN . SENT Are VBP you PP okay JJ . SENT he PP shouts VVZ . SENT I PP nod NN . SENT My PP$ father NN sets VVZ me PP down RP . SENT He PP clutches VVZ me PP tightly RB , , as RB though IN I'm NP going VVG to TO slip VV through IN his PP$ fingers NNS . SENT His PP$ nipples NNS , , strange JJ and CC hairy JJ , , show NN through IN his PP$ T NN shirt NN . SENT For IN some DT reason NN , , they PP make VVP me PP feel VVP alive JJ . SENT Caitlin NP lurks VVZ behind IN him PP in IN the DT rain NN , , hugging VVG the DT box NN with IN Zoomer's NP head NN . SENT The DT streets NNS are VBP flooded VVN . SENT she PP explains VVZ to TO my PP$ mother NN , , who WP comes VVZ out RP with IN an DT umbrella NN . SENT We PP couldn't NN drive NN . SENT Mom NN shakes VVZ her PP$ head NN , , staring VVG at IN the DT box NN . SENT The DT TV NN murmurs VVZ through IN the DT screen NN door NN . SENT She PP looks VVZ old JJ to TO me PP and CC tired JJ , , holding VVG the DT umbrella NN with IN two CD hands NNS . SENT For IN God's NP sake NN , , you're NN soaked VVD . SENT Kids NNS , , get VV inside RB right RB now RB . SENT You'll JJ die NN of IN the DT flu NN . SENT They'll NN be VB fine JJ . SENT It's NP the DT middle NN of IN summer NN . SENT Dad NP lets VVZ go VV of IN me PP . SENT They're NN stronger JJR than IN I PP am VBP . SENT She PP looks VVZ at IN his PP$ bloody JJ shirt NN . SENT What WP are VBP you PP . SENT A DT doctor NN . SENT I'm JJ their PP$ father NN , , my PP$ dad NN says VVZ . SENT By IN afternoon NN the DT streets NNS are VBP still RB flooded VVN , , people NNS getting VVG swamped VVN in IN the DT middle NN of IN the DT road NN . SENT On IN TV NN , , we PP see VVP some DT rescuers NNS pull VVP an DT old JJ man NN from IN his PP$ car NN , , his PP$ shorts NNS shoved VVD up RP so IN you PP can MD see VV his PP$ diaper NN . SENT My PP$ mom's JJ garbage NN bags NNS are VBP lined VVN up RP neatly RB by IN the DT door NN . SENT Through IN the DT window NN I PP can MD see VV her PP$ sitting VVG on IN the DT porch NN , , staring VVG out RP at IN our PP$ street NN , , which WDT has VHZ turned VVN into IN a DT brown JJ river NN like IN the DT others NNS . SENT She PP looks VVZ stiff JJ and CC untouchable JJ , , like JJ something NN from IN a DT museum NN . SENT I'm NN going VVG to TO miss VV my PP$ interview NN , , she PP says VVZ , , when WRB Caitlin NP and CC I PP go VVP out RP to TO visit VV . SENT Her PP$ hair NN is VBZ braided VVN into IN a DT horse NN tail NN , , so RB long RB she PP has VHZ to TO rest VV it PP on IN one CD knee NN . SENT Amazingly RB , , the DT sun NN is VBZ hotter JJR than IN before RB . SENT Our PP$ socks NNS have VHP dried VVN already RB on IN the DT railing NN , , crisp JJ as IN worms NNS . SENT I'll JJ have VHP to TO be VB a DT baggage NN handler NN , , like IN your PP$ father NN . SENT He's NP a DT ramp NN agent NN , , I PP say VVP . SENT My PP$ mom NN just RB tightens VVZ her PP$ lips NNS . SENT Her PP$ face NN is VBZ glazed VVN with IN sweat NN . SENT I PP want VVP to TO tell VV her PP$ something NN about IN my PP$ father NN . SENT How WRB he PP worked VVD on IN Christmas NP morning NN last JJ year NN , , making VVG triple JJ time NN to TO pay VV for IN our PP$ presents NNS . SENT Or CC how WRB I PP caught VVD him PP once RB in IN the DT bathroom NN , , smelling VVG one CD of IN her PP$ old JJ tennis NN shirts NNS that IN he PP refused VVD to TO wash VV . SENT Did VVD your PP$ father NN talk NN to TO you PP about IN living VVG in IN Austin NP . SENT Caitlin NP shakes VVZ her PP$ head NN . SENT I PP should MD have VH known VVN . SENT We're NN moving NN . SENT Caitlin NP asks VVZ . SENT Mom NN looks VVZ at IN her PP$ lap NN . SENT It's NNS up RB to TO you PP two CD . SENT We PP both CC think VVP it's NNS a DT good JJ idea NN . SENT Your PP$ father NN needs VVZ some DT time NN , , you PP know VVP , , to TO get VV his PP$ life NN together RB . SENT She PP moves VVZ her PP$ braid NN from IN one CD knee NN to TO the DT other JJ . SENT I'll NN be VB back RB in IN a DT couple NN weeks NNS . SENT You PP have VHP time NN to TO think VV it PP over RP . SENT Dad's NNS not RB coming VVG . SENT I PP ask VVP . SENT My PP$ mother NN sighs NNS . SENT Your PP$ dad NN father NN has VHZ a DT lot NN on IN his PP$ mind NN . SENT Caitlin NP looks VVZ at IN the DT porch NN . SENT How WRB about RB if IN he PP gets VVZ his PP$ old JJ job NN back RB . SENT Right RB . SENT Ha NP . SENT And CC I'll NN be VB singing VVG with IN the DT Vienna NP Opera NP . SENT Mom NN says VVZ this DT in IN a DT voice NN I've NN never RB heard VVN , , curled VVD in IN and CC disgusted VVN . SENT The DT kind NN you PP might MD use VV for IN smelly JJ feet NNS , , or CC a DT food NN you PP can't VVD stand NN . SENT She PP fans VVZ herself PP with IN both DT hands NNS . SENT God NP , , how WRB can MD you PP stand VV this DT place NN . SENT She PP stands VVZ up RB and CC goes VVZ to TO the DT end NN of IN the DT porch NN , , holding VVG her PP$ tank NN top NN away RB from IN her PP$ back NN . SENT When WRB she PP lets VVZ go VV , , it PP turns VVZ pink JJ against IN her PP$ skin NN , , like IN a DT magic JJ trick NN . SENT She PP swivels VVZ around RP , , frowning VVG . SENT I PP didn't VVD mean VV that IN . SENT She PP tries VVZ to TO smile NN and CC musses VVZ my PP$ hair NN . SENT Don't JJ worry NN about IN Austin NP yet RB . SENT Silent JJ kid NN . SENT How WRB about RB one CD of IN your PP$ songs NNS . SENT I PP look VVP at IN the DT street NN , , at IN the DT moving VVG water NN . SENT I PP don't VVD feel VV like IN making VVG up RP any DT songs NNS . SENT Later RBR , , Caitlin NP wakes VVZ me PP up RP in IN the DT middle NN of IN the DT night NN , , whispering VVG my PP$ name NN from IN the DT top JJ bunk NN . SENT She PP hangs VVZ her PP$ face NN off IN the DT edge NN , , hair NN dandelioned VVD from IN her PP$ head NN . SENT She PP wants VVZ to TO know VV what WP the DT plan NN is VBZ . SENT Outside IN the DT insects NNS buzz NN and CC buzz NN , , never RB rest NN . SENT I PP tell VVP her PP to TO go VV back RB to TO sleep VV , , there RB aren't NN going VVG to TO be VB any DT more JJR plans NNS . SENT You PP said VVD . SENT If IN the DT other JJ didn't NN work NN . SENT It PP was VBD all DT just RB pretend JJ , , I PP say VVP . SENT Grow VV up RP . SENT We PP stabbed VVD the DT tires NNS . SENT I PP stabbed VVD the DT tires NNS . SENT You PP didn't VVD do VV anything NN . SENT She PP pulls VVZ her PP$ head NN from IN the DT edge NN . SENT I PP can MD feel VV the DT volts NNS of IN anger NN from IN her PP$ bunk NN . SENT A DT car NN drives VVZ by IN on IN the DT street NN , , slow JJ as IN a DT bicycle NN , , and CC you PP can MD see VV a DT movie NN of IN it PP on IN the DT wall NN . SENT Mom NN came VVD back RB , , Caitlin NP says VVZ defiantly RB . SENT She PP doesn't VVD even RB look VV the DT same JJ . SENT I PP get VVP out RP of IN bed NN , , pretending VVG I PP have VHP to TO pee VV . SENT The DT carpet NN is VBZ limp JJ and CC sweaty JJ on IN my PP$ feet NNS . SENT My PP$ mother NN is VBZ sound JJ asleep RB in IN the DT TV NN room NN , , and CC I PP stop VVP and CC watch VVP her PP from IN the DT doorway NN . SENT She's NNS lying VVG with IN her PP$ back NN to TO me PP , , wearing VVG a DT T NN shirt NN that WDT says VVZ bear VV safely RB in IN alaska NP . SENT In IN the DT moonlight NN , , I PP can MD make VV out RP the DT perfect JJ twists NNS of IN her PP$ braid NN . SENT It PP hangs VVZ off RP the DT mattress NN , , touching VVG the DT floor NN . SENT On IN the DT table NN beside IN her PP is VBZ the DT fake JJ bone NN she PP brought VVD from IN Alaska NP . SENT Standing VVG there RB by IN myself PP , , I PP think VVP of IN Zoomer NP , , which WDT makes VVZ me PP think VVP of IN that DT dog NN in IN Japan NP , , the DT one NN who WP waited VVD at IN the DT station NN every DT day NN for IN his PP$ master's JJ return NN . SENT Imagine VV waiting VVG all PDT those DT years NNS , , picturing VVG the DT ideal JJ perfect JJ ghost NN in IN your PP$ head NN . SENT The DT freezer NN light NN is VBZ on IN in IN the DT kitchen NN , , glowing VVG through IN the DT cracked VVN open JJ door NN . SENT Dad NP stuffed VVD the DT box NN in IN as IN best JJS he PP could MD . SENT Maybe RB it PP will MD sit VV there RB after IN we're NN gone VVN , , a DT frozen JJ secret NN , , while IN my PP$ father NN grows VVZ old JJ and CC gray JJ and CC little JJ . SENT Quietly RB , , I PP peer VVP into IN Dad's NP room NN on IN the DT other JJ side NN of IN the DT kitchen NN . SENT He's NNS asleep RB like IN my PP$ mom NN , , snoring VVG with IN his PP$ mouth NN open JJ . SENT He PP looks VVZ peaceful JJ under IN the DT covers NNS , , calm NN and CC smiling VVG . SENT I PP wonder VVP if IN he's NNS dreaming VVG about IN Zoomer NP up RB in IN dog NN heaven NN . SENT I PP close VVP my PP$ eyes NNS and CC have VH this DT vision NN of IN a DT place NN without IN people NNS , , cool JJ as IN Alaska NP . SENT Zoomer's NNS there RB , , of IN course NN , , and CC the DT Mexican JJ wolf NN , , and CC the DT hummingbirds NNS shooting VVG around RP like IN sparks NNS . SENT The DT jaguarundi NN are VBP just RB as RB famous JJ as IN the DT jaguars NNS . SENT Oh UH give VV me PP a DT home NN , , where WRB the DT grizzly NN bears VVZ roam NN . SENT Even RB the DT dermestid JJ beetles NNS are VBP there RB , , eating VVG fruit NN and CC avoiding VVG everyone's NNS face VVP . SENT Everyone's NNS happy JJ . SENT And CC in IN charge NN of IN it PP all RB is VBZ my PP$ father NN , , Top NP Dog NP , , earmuffs NNS turned VVD around RP his PP$ neck NN like IN a DT collar NN . SENT My PP$ dad NN stops VVZ snoring VVG . SENT I PP don't VVD know VV how WRB long JJ I've NN been VBN there RB . SENT He PP sits VVZ up RB and CC switches VVZ on IN the DT lamp NN , , blinking VVG in IN the DT light NN . SENT Don't JJ cry NN , , he PP says VVZ . SENT I'm NP not RB . SENT That's JJ my PP$ job NN . SENT He PP scoots VVZ over RP , , patting VVG the DT space NN beside IN him PP . SENT I PP crawl VV up RP in IN bed NN with IN him PP . SENT He PP lets VVZ me PP under IN the DT sheet NN , , where WRB it's NNS still RB warm JJ from IN his PP$ body NN . SENT A DT song NN starts VVZ to TO come VV to TO me PP , , the DT first JJ few JJ words NNS turning VVG in IN my PP$ head NN . SENT There's RB some DT scampering VVG in IN the DT hall NN . SENT Who's NNS there RB . SENT Dad NP says VVZ . SENT Caitlin NP comes VVZ charging VVG through IN the DT door NN . SENT She's NP holding NN scissors NN . SENT In IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , she PP lifts VVZ our PP$ mother's JJ hair NN like IN a DT snake NN grinning VVG at IN me PP , , ecstatic JJ , , waiting VVG to TO be VB loved VVN . SENT To TO read VV other JJ stories NNS from IN the DT Fall NN 2005 CD issue NN , , click NN here RB to TO purchase VV it PP from IN our PP$ online JJ store NN . SENT Back RB to TO Top NP 2005 CD AZX NP LLC NP