"Dad is gonna love this picture," 5-year-old LJ thought as he picked a black permanent marker from the box.
It was Lincoln's birthday, and he was sleeping on the couch.
"I'll draw for his birthday an' he'll forget all about that stupid table THAT I DID NOT BREAK. I'm gonna draw……hmmm..."
"RACECARS!" LJ shouted excitedly, forgetting about Lincoln on the sofa.
Lincoln fidgeted, gave a loud snore that caused LJ to burst into giggles, and resumed his slumber.
"Alright," LJ whispered, looking at his canvas, "Here goes."
LJ twisted the cap off the marker and touched the felt to the canvas. He worked carefully, making it as neat as possible. LJ drew three red racecars chasing each other around, only pausing to make necessary sound effects like muffler noises. He colored inside the lines, just like the art teacher said to. When the artist was finally done with his masterpiece, he stepped back to admire his work with a proud grin.
LJ heard the click of a door. Michael was home.
"Uncle Mike!" LJ whispered loudly, "Look at the picture I made!"
"LJ, I'm sure its…" Michael trailed off, mingled surprise and amusement on his face.
"LJ?"
"Yeah?"
"Did you draw racecars all over your Dad's back?"