Free Double Dutch by Sharon M. Draper

“And why haven’t you called?” He threw himself on the sofa but did not turn on the television this time. “No telling who I’ll see on there,” he muttered.
    The cat jumped on the sofa, looking for bologna or whatever leftovers Randy might offer, but seeing nothing, she curled up on Randy’s chest and looked at him with bright, unblinking eyes.
    As the cat purred on his chest, Randy stroked her back and sighed as he thought about his situation. His money was getting tight. His dad had given him fifty dollars when he left, and reminded Randy about the four hundred dollars they kept hidden in the shoe box in the bottom of the closet for emergencies. Randy couldn’t believe that the rent and the phone bill had eaten up most of the money already, and he knew he didn’t have enough left to pay the electric bill. At least the days were getting longer.
    The cat made a small, careless mewing sound.
    Randy did some quick calculations and figured he had enough for one more trip to the grocery store. “We may have to cut back on cat food,” he said, grinning, as he rubbed the cat’s head.
    The cat stirred as if she understood. Randy sighed again as he tried to fight the clammy feeling of fear that crept over him. He couldn’t stop thinking that something was wrong—really wrong. His father hadn’t called in over a month. He always kept his cell phone on, but when Randy called, all he heard were dull, continuous, unanswered rings.
    Randy kept hoping every day he came home, he’d find his dad sitting on the sofa, but instead he was greeted each day by the silent walls. He’d never been gone this long before. Randy knew he probably ought to call the police, but he was afraid that might get his dad in trouble for leaving Randy by himself. And what if they put him in foster care? That’s what happened to kids who were left alone, but Randy had no intention of being treated like a kid. He could take care of himself.
    His dad had always told him to trust his instincts. But right now he didn’t even know what his instincts were, except that he was scared.
    He shifted his weight on the sofa, and the cat jumped off Randy’s chest to the coffee table. “Where is he, Cat?”
    At that moment the phone rang, startling Randy. He jumped to reach for it while the cat leaped deftly to the floor, annoyed at the sudden movement. “Dad?” Randy said hopefully.
    Delia’s laughter sparkled softly on the line. “Sorry,Randy, it’s just me. You’re expecting a call from your dad?”
    â€œYeah. He’ll probably call tonight, though. What’s up?”
    â€œI just called to see what you wanted to do about that English project. You got any ideas?”
    â€œNah, not yet. How about you?”
    â€œI got a couple of things rolling around in my head. Maybe we can . . . hey, my mom is calling me to go to the grocery store with her, so can I call you later tonight?”
    â€œSure thing. After I eat, my brain works better, anyway. Catch you later.”
    â€œBye.”
    Randy hung up the phone.
I sure wish I coulda asked her to bring me stuff from the grocery store,
he thought as he opened the last can of cat food. The cat, fully absorbed in the turning can and the smell coming from it, nearly knocked it out of Randy’s hand as he placed it on the floor. “I guess I’d better go to the store myself,” he decided. He stuffed the last of the money into his coat pocket and headed down the street to the corner market.
    Prices were higher there than at the big supermarket near the mall, but this was quick and easy. Even though he shopped slowly and carefully, and checked prices on every box and can, Randy knew that the small assortment of food in his cart was all he could afford. He sighed as he unpacked the cart and watched the electronic scanner register the price of each item. He paid for his groceries, counted the money