Chapter 2

           Marycamefromthestoveandtookoneofthebiggrocerybagsfromhim.

           "I’vegotsomuchtotellyou.Can’twait."

           Hekissedherandshefeltthetextureofhislips."What’sthematter?"sheasked.

           "Littletired."

           "Butyouwereclosedthreehours."

           "Plentytodo."

           "Ihopeyouaren’tgloomy."

           "It’sagloomyday."

           "It’sbeenawonderfulday.Waittillyouhear."

           "Wherearethekids?"

           "Upstairswiththeradio.They’vegotsomethingtotellyoutoo."

           "Trouble?"

           "Nowwhydoyousaythat?"

           "Idon’tknow."

           "Youdon’tfeelwell."

           "Damnit,Idotoo."

           "Withallthelovelythings—I’llwaittillafterdinnerforourpart.Areyougoingtobesurprised."

           AllenandMaryEllenboileddownthestairsandintothekitchen."He’shome,"theysaid.

           "Pop,yougotPeeksinthestore?"

           "Youmeanthatcereal,sure,Allen."

           "Iwishyou’dbringsome.It’stheonewithamousemaskontheboxthatyoucutout."

           "Aren’tyoualittleoldforamousemask?"

           Ellensaid,"Yousendtheboxtopandtencentsandyougetaventriloquismthingandinstructions.Wejusthearditontheradio."

           Marysaid,"Tellyourfatherwhatyouwanttodo."

           "Well,we’regoingtoentertheNationalILoveAmericaContest.FirstprizeisgotoWashington,meetthePresident—withparents—lotsofotherprizes."

           "Fine,"saidEthan."Whatisit?Whatdoyouhavetodo?"

           "Hearstpapers,"Ellencried."Alloverthecountry.YoujustwriteanessaywhyyouloveAmerica.