Staring out at the pouring rain, Ezra sighed. For a week he had been
looking forward to today and last night’s forecast had promised
sunny skies. Apparently, clouds did not watch the news.

"Hey, Sport. You ready?"

Ezra looked up, surprised to find Buck standing in doorway to his
room. "We’re still going?"

"Sure, why not?"

He pointed. "The weather seems rather dismal."

Buck puffed up, thumping a hand against his chest as he quipped, "I
think a couple manly men like us can stand it."

Ezra grinned. He’d never hurt anyone’s feelings by claiming a
favorite amongst his adoptive uncles, but in some ways being with
Buck was just like having another boy to play with.

"Still up for the zoo?" Buck asked, reminding him of their
planned activity.

"Could we see a movie instead?" Ezra ventured. Mother had always
claimed that movies were a waste of time and money.

Buck nodded. "Good idea; and maybe we’ll get us an extra-large
tub of buttered popcorn to go with it."

"The four and a half dollar bucket?" he confirmed, awed by the
extravagance.

"None other," he said with a grin.

Ezra jumped up from his bed. "I’ll get my coat!"