Twelve year-old Linus Van Pelt ran from the schoolyard as the bell rang. He had to get away, lest Dirk and the other boys made fun of his blanket, again. Yes, he still hadn't given it up. Four years since he first tried to quit, and he still hadn't succeeded.
Not to mention that his grandmother was making her annual appearance to their household and he knew that both he and his blanket would be treated with disdain. So he had no choice but to try to give up his blanket, again.
Lucy, true to herself as always, was no help. Just as with Grandma's last visit she ran around the house, reminding him of the number of days 'till Grandma's visit and screaming "No substitutes!" Linus shook his head. Lucy seemed to be enjoying herself.
Making it past the school and onto the grass in a residential area, he spotted Sally Brown leaning up against a tree. "My sweet baboo," she called out softly. Linus grimaced; she never had given up on that silly nickname.
Nevertheless, Linus approached her. The tree's shade was as good a hiding place as any. "What do you want, Sally?" he asked.
"I hear you're going to give up your blanket for a whole week this time!" she said, grinning at his response. "I'm still so proud of you, baboo."
Linus didn't bother to protest the pet name. It only made him look as childish as Sally. Instead he surprised even himself by moving to stand beside her.
Sally did something Linus wouldn't expect then, instead of making some comment about his choosing to come closer to her; she slipped past him, moving directly behind him.
At first Linus tensed at first when he felt Sally's arms wrap around his waist, but then a funny thing happened. As he surrendered to her touch he found that it was not altogether unpleasant. In fact, it was very comforting indeed. Slowly, Linus unclenched the hand that gripped his blanket and let it flutter to the ground. It wouldn't last forever, but for now was all Linus needed.
Slowly, very slowly, Linus turned. Sally looked shocked and a bit… afraid? That wouldn't last for long, Linus resolved. Reaching over Linus wrapped his arms around Sally, placing his head next to hers. Yes, this was nice, this was what he needed, he thought as he felt his eyes close…
"NO SUBSTITUTES!" screamed Lucy. Linus groaned.