Chapter 22

As the heroes left the house, Sam and Matt sat in silence on the couch. For a while. It was Sam who finally broke the silence.

"Why did you kiss him?" asked Sam curiously.

"For luck." replied Matt, almost coldly.

"Do brothers give each other a kiss in your culture?" said Sam.

"What do you know about culture? You're just another despot white guy who just wanted to tear things apart." said Matt.

"Despot? That's a tough word for a kid to say. I know what you think of me, but don't worry. I ain't like that." said Sam.

Matt let out a sigh. "In my culture, boys kiss their dads, uncles and grandparents good night or good morning. Brothers don't do it as much."

"If you don't mind, what part of Mexico are you from?" asked Sam.

"Oaxaca México. I was from a little town and brought to America when I was only two." said Matt.

"Oaxaca eh? I thought you were from Michoacan." said Sam.

"You know a little bit about Mexico?" asked Matt, surprised.

"My grandfather from my mother's side was from Mexico. Technically, I'm also Latino, deep down in my blood." said Sam.

"Your grandpa was from Mexico?" Matt asked, now sitting up.

"He was from Michoacan. I went there a few times as a kid." said Sam.

"That's cool." said Matt.

"It was cool. One of my best memories of him was when he would take apart a few mangoes and he would share them with me." said Sam.

"Really?" asked Matt.

"Mangoes in Michoacan are very delicious. The best fruit comes from Mexico in my opinion. I wanted to take Natalie there to see for herself. Perhaps I'll get the chance." said Sam.

"Do you think she'll like it?" asked Matt.

"Natalie always liked studying about different cultures and people. I'm sure she'll love eating mangoes on a sunny day." said Sam.

"You really love her huh?" asked Matt.

"She was my… Oh no." Sam stood up.

"What is it?" asked Matt.

"It's the Germ. He sensed everyone was coming to see him!" said Sam.

"What are we going to do?" asked Matt.

Sam turned to see Matt. "I have a plan. But, you will need to arm yourself with something." said Sam.

Then his eyes went wide and smiled wickedly. Deep down, he was still the BogeyMan. Somewhat, but he was on the side of good now, so there was nothing to worry about. Sort of, at least in Matt's mind.

"Does Tyrone keep any Nyquil around here?" asked Sam.