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I wanted to kiss her but she moved too quickly, putting 8
on her jacket and hefting her shoulder bag. When I ap-9
proached she stuck out a hand at me. All I could do was 10
shake and say good-bye.
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The next few days went by quickly. I spent them scrub-C 14
bing and cleaning the basement. I also straightened up 15
the house as well as I could. The walls and floors of the 16
basement needed paint, but all I had was forty dollars, so 17
elbow grease was the only oil-based liquid I used.
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My uncle Brent used to say that I was lazy and worth-19
less. He said it whenever my mother was out.
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“I’m surprised that a boy like you don’t starve ’cause he 21
