Chapter 2
I put on a fake smile as Howard bounces upstairs, annoyingly cheerful.
"Alright?"
"Yes, sir, I most certainly am. You missed quite a night down at the jazz club!" He chuckles, and begins to scat.
"Howard! Stop scatting!" He just grins and sits down. How can he be so happy? How can everyone else smile while I'm so miserable?
"So how was your day?" Howard asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
"It was genius!" I lie, beaming. "I did loads! I had a tea party with some hedgehogs, we made a jam sponge!" Howard smirks disbelievingly, but at least he hasn't guessed the truth.
"That's great, little man. Anyway, I'm going to bed. Try and get up on time to open the shop, yeah?"
"Yeah, whatever." I mutter. "G'night, Howard."
"Goodnight Vince."