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Teddy
Inafewminutes,theonlyplacethey’llstillbefloatingwillbeinsidemymind.That’squiteinteresting,becauseifyoulookatitacertainway,that’swheretheystartedfloatinginthefirstplace.IfI’dneverbeenstandinghereatall,orifsomebody’dcomealongandsortofchoppedmyheadoffrightwhileIwas—"
"Whereisshenow?"Mrs.McArdleasked."LookatMotheraminute,Teddy."
Teddyturnedandlookedathismother."What?"hesaid.
"Where’sBoopernow?Idon’twanthermeanderingallaroundthedeckchairsagain,botheringpeople.Ifthatawfulman—"
"She’sallright.Igaveherthecamera."
Mr.McArdlelurchedupononearm."Yougaveherthecameral"hesaid."Whatthehell’stheidea?MygoddamLeica!I’mnotgoingtohaveasix-year-oldchildgallivantingallover—"
"Ishowedherhowtoholditsoshewon’tdropit,"Teddysaid."AndItookthefilmout,naturally."
"Iwantthatcamera,Teddy.Youhearme?Iwantyoutogetdownoffthatbagthisminute,andIwantthatcamerabackinthisroominfiveminutes—orthere’sgoingtobeonelittlegeniusamongthemissing.Isthatclear?"
TeddyturnedhisfeetaroundontheGladstone,andsteppeddown.Hebentoverandtiedthelaceofhisleftsneakerwhilehisfather,stillraisedupononeelbow,watchedhimlikeamonitor.
"TellBooperIwanther,"Mrs.McArdlesaid."AndgiveMotherakiss."
Finishedtyinghissneakerlace,Teddyperfunctorilygavehismotherakissonthecheek.
