Lennie's memory took him back 49 years to an ER waiting room. He held ice chunks wrapped in his cousin Gus' t-shirt to his bloody lip.
"Don't worry, Gus'll handle everything." Bernie, Lennie's older brother, assured him.
"Sure he will," the 9-yr old replied sarcastically. "Mom's gonna ground me forever, if Dad doesn't kill me first," Lennie said tearfully.
Soon Lennie was led away to get his lip stitched up. When he returned his parents had arrived. His mother hugged him tight, then tousled his hair.
"What do I keep telling you? Play with kids your own age!" she scolded.