The Book of Jeremy

“If Beth is driving, I’d rather walk, but it’s not safe on the sidewalk!” Beth is my oldest sister, and the only one old enough for a driver’s license.
Anna paused. “She’s at work today, Jeremy. We’re all walking.” Then she disappeared into her room.
Her cool manner ticked me off. Then something triggered my memory. I looked up at the corner of the ceiling and smiled. I ran downstairs to get the broom. On my way to the utility room, I reviewed my chances: Mom and Dad were out, Simeon was mowing the lawn, Ruthie was doing dishes, Debbie was dusting the living room. Fonzie, the schnauzer, saw me heading for the back door and came running to be let out. Bert, the bulldog, came lumbering behind him. I opened the door for them, grabbed the broom, and started back.

The lawnmower stopped, and I heard my brother yell, “Who let the dogs out?”
Moving faster, I almost bumped into the birdcage on my way. Bentley, the cockatoo, complained, “Rrrraaa! Watch them apples!”
I made it back up to my room, swiped at the corner, and tiptoed over to Anna. Holding the spider on the end of the broom, I pushed open the door.