37. Beware  Scapegoat Groundhog!

Before Mikey could shake the cow patty from his shoe, the local police arrived.  An ambulance, a firetruck, and several news vans followed. The farmer told the reporters he was glad nobody was hurt, but he couldn’t figure out how the accident happened. The road was wide and straight in front of his property.

The farmer’s son recorded the arrest, added background music, and posted the video online.  It went viral. Everybody wanted to see the junior high school principal fail the breathalyzer as a curious cow looked on.  

As Mikey sat in the back of the police car, he said to the officer, “Stupid &^#$* groundhog! I swerved to miss him, and ended up in the field.” 

The officer said, “You’re blaming it on the groundhog? He’s your scapegoat?” He shook his head and laughed. “Better get a really good attorney if that’s your defense. You blew a .16”

Mikey rolled his eyes and thought, ‘Sheila’s gonna blame this on drinking on not the *&^# rodent that ran in front of me.’  With that his denial took on the form of the scapegoat groundhog, a beast that almost killed him.

Today I’ll beware of scapegoats – they can be more dangerous than lions or bears.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:

http://www.amazonHYPERLINK "http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S".com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

36. Stepping In It
Mikey's car slid to rest in a field.  His right front tire was flat, and a length of electric fence hung from the grill. He sat stunned.  The sound of sirens jolted him from his daze.  Mikey held no delusions about passing a field sobriety test. Stepping in a cow patty while escaping his car was the best thing that happened to him that night.

Today I won't put myself in any situation where I might step in something.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

Today I will remember all who served and sacrificed.

(Mikey, Repulsive and Repugnant will return tomorrow.)

35. A Golden Chip on Her Shoulder
While her brother and Lori considered their options, and her father drove through the electric fence surrounding a local dairy farm, Tiffany stared at her computer screen.

“What are you reading?” Sheila asked Tiffany. She was sitting beside Tiffany on the living room couch.  

“An article on how hard it will be to cure cancer,” Tiffany said, looking up from her laptop.

Sheila smiled and said, “Maybe you should set your sights a little lower.  Cure something else first.”

“No way, Mom! You should see what they’ve done looking for a cure.  It’s like every time they chip away at cancer, the chip turns into gold.  They got all these super smart people working on it.  Then there’s these other super smart people working on other diseases and problems.  The other people use the cancer researchers’ stuff in all kinds of ways. It’s all ‘cause the cancer researchers keep trying to do the impossible. I’m gonna be one of those people.”

Today I will set my sights high.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental. 

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: 

http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

Quotes from this weekend's FREEBIES


The eBook versions  are available for FREE May 26th - 30th at: http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S




Addiction describing his hold on people addicted to opioids:
"Imagine if I owned all the gas stations.  Everyone would need more gas than they needed the time before to fill their tanks.  And if they ran completely dry, they would have seizures, paranoia, diarrhea, muscle aches, and on and on.  How much gas do you think I would sell?"  My Plan to Ruin Your Life: The first recovery workbook written by your addiction


Things your addiction tells you:

• "Trust me.  This time will be different."
• "Of all the things an addict can choose for a Higher Power, his own ego is probably the most dangerous.  I mean other addicts of course, not someone as intelligent as you . . . ."
• "If you are not deliriously happy – at this very moment – then clearly there is no point in being clean and sober."

My Favorite Character Defects: The next recovery workbook written by your addiction


Forgiveness
"Just as there are times when people will not forgive us, there are times when we won’t be able to forgive someone else.  This is not necessarily a bad thing.  Be wary of forgiving two groups of people, those who have no intention of changing their behavior, and those who would use and abuse you if given the chance.  If you do forgive such people, have as little contact as possible with them.  Forgiveness and being a victim are two entirely different things." Forgiveness in Recovery 

Addiction Logic

You sell your couch to buy drugs, then blame your addiction on a lack of furniture.  “You’d get high too if you had to sit on the floor and listen to that tiny radio.” Hauling it to the Curb: Cleaning Up Your Life in Early Recovery

The eBook versions of these publications are available for FREE May 26th - May 30th at:      http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

34. Just This Once
The next night, Devin and Lori were sitting in his car. "I'm pregnant," Lori said, wiping a tear away.

"How did this happen?" Devin asked, staring at her.

"What do you mean, how did this happen? Weren't you paying attention in Health class?  Do the words 'we can take a chance just this once' ring a bell?"

While they sat pondering their future, Mikey was sitting in the clubhouse across town, deciding he probably shouldn't drive home.   Devin or Sheila would be glad he called for a ride, but they'd be even more convinced he had a drinking problem.  He decided he'd drive home anyway, just this once.

Today I will remember once can be once too often. 

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

33. Holding Ground
The week passed, and by Thursday, Mikey was craving a drink. He’d promised himself his new life would include no weekday drinking.  'The weekend starts tomorrow,' he thought.  'What’s the harm in drinking one day early?'  A sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach told him he was kidding himself.

Mikey ran into Theresa, the school nurse who had lost 75 lbs.  He asked her if she ever had trouble maintaining her weight loss.

She said, “Some days I run for miles. I write in my journal, I read something inspiring, or I buy new clothes to celebrate the weight I’ve lost.  Now, did you see the donuts in the break room? I wanted one bad.  I even picked one up.  Gave it a name.  Thought about wrapping it in a napkin and slipping it into my purse to eat later.  The best I could do today was not eat that donut.”

“I’m not sure I get your point.”

“Some days you do so much, others you win by not giving in, by just holding your ground.”

Today I will remember: sometimes the battle is won just by holding my ground.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

32. Overcoming Myrmecophobia

Mikey and Jeff’s mom sat on the teacher’s desk, eating cake.  They watched the kids laugh and hug Jeff.  Mikey said, “With all he’s been through, you’d think he’d be sad, or worried about the cancer coming back, but he’s just so happy.  Nothing seems to bother him.  I wish we had two hundred more just like him.”

“Thanks,” Jeff’s mother said.  “He really has been through the mill. While he was in the hospital a girl with lymphoma on his floor died.  He lost his hair and his bones got brittle.  He was poked, irradiated, and what he called ‘chemoflaged’.  We worried he’d get really anxious or depressed, but he’s completely calm.  It’s like he accepts whatever life might throw at him. Nothing scares him.”  Jeff’s mom laughed.  “Except ants.  Can you believe it?  He’s afraid of ants.”

Mikey said, “My dad is the toughest guy I know. He was an Army Ranger and a fireman.  He’d never admit it, but he fears drains. The bigger the drain, the less comfortable he is.  I’ve seen him cross the street to avoid walking past a storm drain. ”

“I’m afraid of public speaking.  You?”

‘Life without booze,’ Mikey thought.  “Flying,” he said.   

Today I will accept denying my fears keeps me from facing them.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:

http://www.amazonHYPERLINK "http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S".com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

31.  Did I Hear You Right
The next morning Mikey  met Jeff, an eighth grader who had missed a year of school battling cancer, as the boy got off the bus.

"How long?" Mikey asked, even though he knew the answer.

"One year today," Jeff said.  "Doesn't seem real."  As they walked, Jeff described his battle with cancer.  He told Mikey how he'd kept his spirits up, and  gotten through the fear and pain.  Mikey heard him without really listening.  He was anticipating their arrival at Jeff's homeroom.  Later, he'd be surprised he could recall  the boy's wisdom just when he most needed it.

"Surprise!" yelled Jeff's classmates, teachers, parents,  and doctor, a few nurses, the president of the school board, and a congressman.  A reporter from the local paper snapped a picture.

"Your mother let me know today was your anniversary.  She arranged the whole thing."

Today I will be grateful for wisdom.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

30. I Scream for Ice Cream
When they got to the ice cream stand, Tiffany ordered an extra-large dipped chocolate cone with chocolate sprinkles.  Devin got a hot fudge sundae in a plastic boat big enough to fish from.  Sheila asked for a banana split, complete with three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, nuts, and hot fudge.  Repugnant got a complimentary doggie cone which he ate in two ferocious bites.

His family stared at Mikey as he ordered.  In his head he said, ‘I’ll have a deluxe gut buster sundae with extra chocolate syrup.' Instead he said, “I’ll have a sugar free Black Icee,” He could almost hear the kid behind the counter snicker as he poured Diet Coke into the machine that mixed it with ground ice.  

Sheila said, “Stick to a diet today and you’ll be happy tomorrow.”

"I'd rather be happy today," he said, staring at his Icee. He reminded himself going on a diet had been his idea.

Today I will do something that pays off tomorrow. 

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

29. The Fox Fix

On their way to get ice cream, Mikey, Sheila, Devin, Tiffany, and Repugnant walked from their cul-de-sac through a wooded path to the park. They saw deer on the other side of the grassy fields.  They loved the deer, but were used to seeing them.  Spotting a gray fox between the woods and the park startled them.  They watched for several minutes as the fox stared at the ground, hunting for field mice.

“One of your cousins, Repugnant,” Tiffany whispered. The fox’s ears perked up. He eyed the group for a minute or so before trotting back behind the tree line.

While they watched the fox, Mikey’ pulse slowed.  His breathing deepened, drawn in slowly and deeply, exhaled the same way.  A smile crossed his face, his anger with his father forgotten.

Mikey stared at the spot the fox had been until Tiffany said, “C’mon Dad, he’s not coming back.” Mikey knew that, just as he knew he was more calm than he’d been all day, and he didn’t really want to move.

Today I will connect with nature. 

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

28. Practice, Patience, and Letting Go
Mikey hugged Sheila and said, "C'mon, let's see if the little villain wants to go for ice cream." 

Sheila held Mikey for a moment before she said, "You're getting better." 

"I don't feel better," Mikey said.

"You used to get so upset with your dad. You'd call him back and argue with him all night. Now you take the hit and move on. You're getting better at letting it go."

"I've had a lot of practice. I'm learning patience."

"That's all anyone can ask of themselves. Practice letting go, and have patience with your progress, Mikey. Practice and patience."

Today I will remember letting go often takes practice and patience.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental. 

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

27. Nothing to Prove, Something to Celebrate
After the movie, Mikey and Sheila listened to the message. Mikey’s dad didn’t really want anything, except to call Mikey an ungrateful brat who owed his success to his old man pushing him.  With a mug like his, Mikey ought to be glad he was pushed, ‘cause he wasn’t going anywhere on his looks.  And where had he gone?  He was the principal of a junior high school full of rich snots.  If Mikey had listened, he’d have twenty years in the Army by now and a nice military pension.  But no, Mikey had to go to some candy-ass college and get a teaching degree.

"He'll never admit he was wrong, that I made I made something of myself," Mikey said, staring at the floor.

Sheila put his arm around him and said, “Proving someone wrong, and having them admit they were wrong? Two very different things. You know what you've accomplished.  Celebrate that. Don't waste time proving what you know to be true."

Today I will celebrate my accomplishments, whether others recognize them or not. 

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

26. At the Sound of the Beep
Mikey put two of the cookies back. The phone rang.  He and Sheila were standing next to the phone and saw it was Mikey's father. Sheila grabbed his hand as he reached for the phone.

"Hon" she said, "You can answer it, and be angry for the rest of the day.  While we laugh and enjoy the movie, you'll relive all the miserable things that man has done and said over the years."

"What if he needs me?" Mikey asked. "He's an S.O.B., but he is my dad."

"He always leaves a long message. He might need something, but more likely than not, he wants to complain about you or your brother.  You don't need that negativity.  Use the answering machine to filter it out."

Mikey sighed, wishing his father was different, but knowing Sheila was right. "Can I have a cookie if I don't answer it?" he asked.

"No, but you can have a nice night with positive people who love you."

Today I will filter out other people's negativity.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental. 

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at: 

http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

25. Positive Peer Pressure
Sheila walked into the kitchen to see what was keeping the men. "C'mon guys, I want to start the movie," she said. Seeing the cookies in Mikey's hand she added, "Put 'em back.  Put 'em back now. Tiffany, come out here.  Your father's breaking his diet the first day."

Tiffany coming running into the kitchen, Repugnant and Repulsive in hot pursuit.  She punched her father on the arm.  "Don't make me kick you old man!" she said.

"I wasn't gonna eat them," Mikey said.  "I just wanted to see how heavy they were."  Giving up in the face of peer pressure, he put the cookies back.  Sheila thought, 'I wish this kind of positive peer pressure worked with alcohol.'

Today I will surround myself with positive peer pressure.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

24. Peanut Butter Cookies

Mikey went to the kitchen where Devin had been making himself a sandwich.  He reached into a bowl and took out three cookies.  Devin said, “Aren’t you supposed to be on a protein diet?”

Mikes said, “Peanut butter is high in protein.  Peanut butter cookies must be high in protein.  That makes them part of a high protein diet. It’s science.”   

“You can convince yourself of anything,” Devin said, smiling and shaking his head.   A shadow crossed his face. He hesitated, but finally said, “I’m worried about you Dad.  I think you’ve convinced yourself your drinking isn’t a problem.”  Mikey waited for the explosion. His father just rolled his eyes.

“Kid, you’re gonna get old before your time worrying about me. I’m fine.  I don’t drink any more than I ever did.  I don’t drink any more than my friends. Have a cookie.”

Today I will beware of my ability to convince myself of just about anything.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:

http://www.amazonHYPERLINK "http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S".com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

23. Have You Herd
When they got home, Repulsive and Repugnant followed Tiffany into the bathroom.  Repugnant curled up next to the tub while Tiffany showered.  Repulsive sat on the toilet seat five feet away, a safe distance from the scene of so many cat bath battles.

Before Tiffany was born, Mikey had adopted a Shetland sheepdog named Tucker.  Tucker had only been content when he could see the whole family at once.  If somebody wandered away he’d pace back and forth between rooms until the three of them were together again.

Tucker had developed tumors and had to be put down.  Devin had been devastated, and years went by before they adopted another dog.  Where Tucker had tried to herd the family together, Repugnant drew them in with his antics.  He’d race around the couch until everybody in the family was standing in the basement, laughing and wondering how long Repugnant could keep going.

Today I will be grateful for whatever brings us together.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

22. A Little Appreciation
The next day was Sunday.  Mikey, only slightly hungover, stood in the pouring rain as Tiffany’s team beat their arch-rivals 1-0 in overtime. Despite holding an umbrella just a little smaller than a parachute, his feet were soaked.  He shook from the cold.  Tiffany had done her best to remind parents and players how she had earned the nickname ‘Villain.’  Mikey had to fight the urge to tell the other team’s parents to stop whining.

When they got into his car after the game, Tiffany took off her spikes and shin guards.  The smell reminded him of the time Devin had gone to camp for two weeks.  Nobody had remembered to clean Repulsive’s litter box while he was away.  Tiffany threw the muddy spikes over her shoulder into the back of the SUV.  Her dirty socks followed. Mikey saw mud and grass splatter the cargo space.  A sock stuck to the rear window.

Mikey was about to yell when Tiffany leaned forward and kissed him and her mother.  Tiffany said, “Thank you guys! I love when you both come to the games, but I wouldn’t have been mad if one of you had skipped it because of the weather.”  Mikey smiled, grateful for a little appreciation.

Today I will let someone know I appreciate them.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

21. Gang of Four
"So what's this I hear about you joining a gang?" Lori asked Tiffany.

"The Fabulous Fours!," Tiffany said. "There's four of us and we're all really good in science and math.  We go four years of high school, four years of college, and four years of medical school. When we're done all four of us are going to work together to cure cancer."

Lori smiled.  "Wouldn't it be great if you did it in four years?"

Today I will encourage someone's dreams.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

20. Let It Go
Sheila bit her tongue hard. 'Does he think I'm too stupid to know why he smells like mouthwash?' she thought. She wanted to tell Mikey how much she loved him, how she worried, how mad she was, how the kids needed him alive and well - not dead in a car wrapped around a utility pole,  how she was going to leave him, how she'd never leave so why couldn't he leave the bottle for her?

'Let it go,' she thought.  'I've never been able to make him do anything.'

She exhaled and said, "I'm changing our insurance policies.  You will be ensured to drive your car, but not mine or Devin's.  If you wreck, our premiums won't go up."

Today I will let go of my belief I can control other people's behavior.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

19. Nothing Wrong
Mikey walked through the door to the garage twenty minutes later.  His steps were slow and steady, like a man picking his way across an icy sidewalk.  He said hello to his son, then made his way upstairs without tripping.  Stopping in his daughter's room he said hi to Lori and hugged Tiffany.  So far, so good.   Feeling like a sneaky teenager, he stopped in the hall bathroom for mouthwash.

When he got to his bedroom, Sheila was lying on top of the bed, reading.  He bent down to kiss her cheek.  She didn't look up from her book.  Straightening up slowly, he turned and walked into the master bathroom to brush his teeth.  'Had a great night out,' he thought, 'and once again, no crash, no DUI, no harm, no foul, nothing but fun.'

Today I will remember: sometimes nothing is the worst thing that can happen to me.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

18. Like Family
“You’re a little villain!” Lori said, as she walked from the garage into the basement.  Tiffany jumped up from the couch, depositing an unhappy Repulsive on the floor.  Repugnant stood on his hind legs, pawing the air and wagging his tail furiously.  Lori scooped him up, and the dog tried to lick her face.

Tiffany wrapped her arms around Lori, almost knocking her over.

Devin, just a half a step behind Lori said, “Anybody happy to see me?”  He smiled.  Lori was still carrying Repugnant when she and Tiffany made a beeline for the stairs, on their way to Tiffany’s room.  Devin bent over to scratch Repulsive’s ears.  The cat purred, and Devin said, “Ditched again, buddy. It’s OK. Tiff needs a big sister right now, even if she’s not really related.  Not yet.”

Today I will be grateful for people who are like family.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

17. Me, Myself, and I'll Have Another

Sheila, Tiffany, Repulsive, and Repugnant heard the outer garage door open.  Repugnant raced downstairs through the basement, past Tiffany, to the door into the garage.  Sheila froze for just a millisecond, feeling the panic wash over her, heart skipping a beat. “Detach,” she said to herself, and drew in a deep breath.

Tiffany’s breath caught in her throat. She curled into a ball on the couch with Repulsive, and waited.  She hoped her daddy would be fine.  He’d call her ‘my little villain,’ hug her, and tell some crazy story about training a goose to kick a golf ball into the hole. They’d watch a movie, sharing a giant cookie he’d snagged from the clubhouse. ‘Or,’ she thought, clutching Repulsive tighter, ‘he'll stumble in, and they'll fight again, in their bedroom, loud enough to hear all through the house.’ Tiffany bit her lower lip.

Across town, Mikey thought about having another beer.  'No reason I shouldn't,' he thought. 'Don't concern nobody but me.'

Today I will remember: the closer I am to someone, the more my actions affect them.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S

16. Pop!

Tiffany finished her practice hour, relieved to be done for the day.  Repulsive, who’d made his way downstairs after the awful noise stopped, rubbed his face against her calf as she put the tuba in its case.

“Popcorn,” she said to the cat, scratching his ears.  “Popcorn.”

When she was little Tiffany had wanted to skate.  The first time her brother took her to the rink she fell walking to the ice on her skates. She fell on the ice, and fell some more.  Tiffany had told her brother she never wanted to skate again. When they got home, Devin had asked her if she liked popcorn.  She loved popcorn.  He’d handed her an unpopped bag.  She had stared at him. ‘Bet you’d hate eating this now.  Bet you’d like it more if you popped it.  Bet you’ll like skating more if you give it a chance to pop.”

Today I will give new things a chance to pop.

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant (c) 2016 by Ken Montrose

Mikey, Repulsive, and Repugnant is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance between the characters and anyone you might know is purely coincidental.

Other works by Ken Montrose are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Ken-Montrose/e/B001K8MG0S