THE CLOSET
by Tommy Z

"If the Colonel comes downstairs, get in the closet."

"Ok" I said, trying to judge the distance... "Do you think he might come downstairs?"

"He doesn't usually come downstairs this time of night; but if he does, just get in the closet."

"Ok," I said.

A good hour must have passed.

"I think it's the Colonel, get in the closet." I got up with a jerk and had the door open and was ready to jump in when--a head popped into the room. It was Cardo's younger brother, Richard

"False alarm," Cardo reported.

I started back to my seat.

"The Colonel's on his way down," the head blurted out.

I headed back to the closet. This time I got in and closed the door

"It's getting late," grunt.

He won't look in here.

"Let's keep the music down."

Why should he.

"Ok, no problem," in unison.

"Don't you boys have school tomorrow?"

The closet is a safe place: It was were Mr. Rogers hung his sweaters.

"Yes"

"Richard, did you take out the garbage?"

"Not yet."

But what if some retired military person discovered you hiding there. He might flip out, and shoot you. Then when the police showed up all he'd have to say is... I'm sorry, I thought it was a burglar. Or what if he didn't call the police. What if he just dumped your body in a river somewhere.

"Better get to bed soon."

Your parents would never know what happened to you. You might end up on one of those milk cartons. Just think of it. Millions of people sitting around the breakfast table. Looking at you.

"Did somebody take the dog out?"

In their underwear. It was a horrible thought.

"I'll do it," I whispered.

Someone was outside the closet door.

"Hey Colonel," calling from the garage. "Have you seen the dog's leash?"

"It should be hanging next to the door."

"Well it's not there"

"It should be"

Shoes ricocheted out of bedroom and down the hall to the garage.