Sam was having a bad day.

Sure the sky was overcast, which she liked. Sure both of her best friends, Danny and Tucker were able to come home with her. And it was Friday, so, they got a break from school. But it was still a bad day for her.

She thought no one noticed her moodier than usual behavior, which was just fine with her. Sam hated it when her friends kept asking what was wrong.

I know its selfish to think that way. But I really don't want to tell them.

The trio walked down the street toward her house. All of them in coats due to the November chill in the air. Sam stared at the sidewalk, deep in her thoughts while half-way listening to the boys talk about their newest video game obsession.

"…the worst part is after you get through the army of robots," Tucker was sputtering out. " There's this huge robot at the end of the battle field. He's, like, impossible to beat. And I can't find any cheat codes for that level anywhere!"

Danny laughed. "I guess they want us to figure it out ourselves. I still can't get past level 8."

"Aw, that level's easy."

"Only because you were able to find cheat codes for that one."

"Well, yeah, but I could probably beat it without them. Its just this monster robot that has me stuck on level 11."

"Ask Sam to help you. She probably already has it beat."

Tucker glanced at Sam, walking beside him. "Hey, Sam. Can you show me how to get past the giant robot on Doomed 2?"

She didn't answer.

"Sam! Hey!" Tucker waved his hand in front of her face. "Anybody home in there?"

She jerked her head up. "Huh? Oh. What is it Tucker?"

"How do you get passed level 11 on Doomed?"

"I thought girls couldn't play video games."

"Aw, Sam, that was along time ago. Please tell me. Pleeease?"

"Well, to beat the robot at the end…" She gave a dramatic pause.

"What? What do you do?"

"…you have to learn to play without cheat codes."

"Aw, come on Sam!"

"Tucker, the only way you've gotten that far was with the cheat codes. Learn to play the game with your own brains, then, come ask me for help," she snapped.

Like I have the patience for stupid problems like that.

"Well, you don't have to be so mean about it."

"Sam," Danny cut her off from an insult she was about to throw at Tucker. "Is something wrong?"

She rolled her eyes. "No, Danny. I'm just tired is all."

"Are you sure? You've been kinda…cranky today."

Danny, its none of your business. It'd be better for both of us if you stay out of it. "Yes, I'm sure."

The house was right in front of the group now. Fortunately for them because it started to rain. The boys ran inside, but Sam stayed back. She liked walking in the rain. Especially light drizzle like this. When she did get inside, Danny and Tucker were already out of their coats.

"So," Sam hung her coat in the closet. "What do you guys want to do?"

"Watch a kung fu movie in your theater and gorge ourselves with pizza and ice cream!" Tucker scampered toward the basement like a happy puppy.

"Movie it is, I guess."

"Sam," Danny started. "I know you said nothing's wrong, but, um…" he scratched the back of his head. "…I just wanted…I mean…if you need to talk, I'm here for you."

Sam felt her cheeks turn red. "Oh, uh, okay. Thanks Danny."

"Yeah. Anytime." Danny started to blush too.

Sam pulled out her cell phone as they went downstairs and ordered the pizza. Then she sat down between Danny and Tucker to watch the movie.

I really should learn to hide my emotions better before they figure out the whole story.

She glanced at Danny.

My grandfather died on this day a couple of years ago. But that's not the what's bothering me.

Neither of them would understand why I'm glad someone in my own family is dead.