Squee clutched Shmee. It was all he could do as he stared up at the scary neighbor man. It had been seven minutes since Johnny had came into the bedroom and started to stare at Squee with a thoughtful expression on his face. The child couldn't have dreamed of what was coming next.

"Hey, Squee, why don't we go get a brainfreezie and some Skettios?"

The boy balked. What was that? The scary man wanted to go get some snacks, with HIM?

"I said, wanna come get a Freezie and Skettios?" Johnny was getting impatient. Squee knew he had to answer, and soon.

"Uh, actually, I was planning on just staying inside today. I want to…uh…spend some time with…uh…Shmee!" Squee hoped that would be enough.

"Nonsense. The bear can come too. Come on, my treat." Squee followed.

When they got into town, Johnny still hadn't pulled a weapon yet. In fact, the only thing that came out of his pocket was a wallet. They went into a diner, and the scary neighbor man paid for a brainfreezie and a bowl of Skettios each.

They ate in silence, until Johnny broke the ice.

"I know what you're thinking. Why would Nny want to take me out for some food?"

Squee shuddered. "Well, actually…"

Johnny shook his head. "I know, I know. Personally, I don't know where tonight came from. You probably never expected me to go out with you and buy you stuff and not make an attempt at your life, right?"

Squee smiled. "Actually, it wasn't that. It was, just…"

Nny had already guessed it. "Your parents, right kid? Listen, it's not your fault that your parents aren't the doting, caring sort. You were just randomly picked for the job, trust me, I know. But honestly, what do you think your parents would react like if they knew you were out?"

Squee thought long and hard about it, his head down. When he lifted his head, there were tears in his eyes.

"Hey! Wait! I didn't mean to make you cry." Nny struggled for words.

"It's true! All of it! My mommy and daddy don't love me. I don't have anyone in the world! Who would care if I died tomorrow? Huh?"

"I'd care."

Squee looked up, his eyes still misty, but his mouth smiling.

Nny grinned. "You have me, kid. But I wouldn't go so far as to say for life. But now, you have me."