Story no longer updating. Do not Unlock.
****"Yes, I made it. Woohoo!"Kevin screamed loudly which made students around glance at him as he emerged from Mr. Avery's office. They shook their heads, thinking he was going crazy.Yes, he was crazy. Crazy with excitement. If only they read the paper he was holding, they would have screamed with him.If they read the paper, they would understand that Kevin is one of the nominees in the Best Students Awards, held in Anderson Boarding School every year. But this year's own was special.The prizes of this year's award was bigger than the last ones because Jones Tech Company is a beneficiary of the awards. So the prizes were definitely grand.He was also excited because he had never won the award before. This was his time to shine."Hey what's with the shouting?" His best friend, Darrin, walked up to him and asked."You are not gonna believe this." Kevin shook his shoulder."Whoa. Calm down. What is it?"Kevin handed the paper to him. "I'm one of the nominees in...""O my gosh, you are one of the nominees in the Best Students Awards." Darrin screamed before Kevin could complete his statement."Uh-huh.""Wow. This is great. I guess all those extra time in the library finally paid off.""Yeah. Maybe if you had joined me like I proposed, you would have been chosen too.""Shut up." Darrin rolled his eyes. "Make sure to share whatever prize you win with me.""Why would I do that? I wasn't the one who told you not to read with me.""Oh, it's like this, uh?"They laughed."I'm joking. Of course I'll share with you. Oh I'm so happy."Kevin turned and started jumping with happiness. Because of this action, he didn't see the person coming ahead of him."Kev, watch out for..." Darrin tried to warm him but it was too late.His back hit someone and he felt cold liquid splash on his back. He heard a plastic fall on the ground followed by a girl's scream.Just as he turned to apologize,*SLAP*"Idiot, watch where you are going. Ah, now my cloth is ruined." The girl slapped him and snapped.Kevin was utterly shocked as he rubbed his cheek which was burning in pain. Jaws clenched, he turned his head to see his slapper. It was no other than the school's sassy queen, Mabel.She was fuming in anger as a portion of her shirt was soaked in smoothie. Two plastic juice containers were squashed on the floor.Mabel looked at him, her eyes rolling up and down as she stared at the brown-haired boy before her. "Look what you did. You ruined my shirt.""And is that how you apologize?" Kevin retorted angrily as he inserted the paper in his pocket.Mabel is the girlfriend of Scott, the most notorious boy in school who also happened to be Kevin's classmate. He shouldn't fight with Mabel in any way. Apart from being the girlfriend of Scott, she was in grade eleven, so by school standards, she was older than him. But right now, he didn't care. How dare she slap him for just hitting her?"Aren't you the one who is to apologize here? You hit me and ruined my shirt. People can't see me like this." Mabel replied."But was it necessary to slap me?" Kevin asked, wondering what was so special about her shirt. She was wearing an ordinary blue shirt like every other girl."Yes, it was. To teach you a lesson not to bump into me again. Next time, I'll make it two slaps.""How about I slap back?"Mabel narrowed her eyes at Kelvin's words, bemused by his confidence. No one talks to her anyhow. She opened her mouth to talk back when Darrin chimed in."We are so sorry Mabel. Let's forget about this. We'll be on our way now."He took Kevin's hand and tried to walk away with him but Kevin took away his hand."I'm not leaving until she apologizes." He said."Kevin let's go." Darrin gave him a 'shut up Kevin' kind of expression. If Mabel's boyfriend finds out that they confronted her, it would mean trouble."I don't have time for this." She walked past them but before she could go far, Kevin pulled her back."Where do you think you are going?""How dare you?" She yelled and flung her arm to slap him.Kelvin saw it coming and caught it midair. "Nice try. Now apologize immediately."He doesn't like getting into fights but if anyone, either boy or girl, wants to see his bad side then they will."Hey, what are you doing?" A voice boomed from behind.Kevin left Mabel's arm and turned to see her boyfriend approaching them with his two goons, looking like a street rider.Uh oh. Darrin thought in his mind."Get the f*ck away from her." Scott pushed Kevin and hugged Mabel."Babe, did he do anything to you?""Oh Scott." She fake sobbed in his arms. "He poured my smoothie on my shirt and instead of apologizing, he wanted to slap me."Kevin shook his head at the drama queen before him.Scott turned to him. "How dare you touch her? Apologize now and get her a new smoothie.""And if I don't?" Kevin folded his hand and stared back at him, noticing the fire tattoo on his left bicep. He was not fazed by his scary face or his really deep voice.Darrin, on the other hand, was shocked. No one messes with Scott. Everyone knows that. Anyone that gets on his bad side should expect a broken nose or face. That was why he and Kevin had avoided him for a long time.Scott trailed Kelvin's body with his eyes. "Then I think you'll be visiting the clinic 'cause I'm gonna punch holes in your face.""I will like to see you try." Kevin replied with a chuckle which made everyone's eyes widen. Kevin wondered why they were afraid of this guy. Sure, he looked dangerous and bulky, but as the quote says, do not judge a book by its cover.Scott furrowed his brows in anger and threw his bag at one of his goons. "This is your last warning. Do you what I told you to do, or else." He threatened, tightening his fist."Tell your sick girlfriend to apologize then I'll consider obeying your words but until....ah."Pain shot up in his abdomen. Scott punched him."Kevin." Darrin screamed and approached him."Hold him." Scott ordered his goons. They took hold of Darrin's arm, preventing him from moving further.Scott grabbed Kevin's shirt collar and pushed his back on the wall hard. Heat and pain washed over his back."The guts, the effrontery. Now you are gonna pay for it." Scott said to his face.He raised his fist and landed a blow on Kevin's left cheek."Ah." Kevin screamed. He tasted blood in his mouth.It didn't take five seconds before another blow was delivered on his right cheek."Stop it." Darrin shouted and tried to move but was held back.Scott delivered another punch and this one went to his abdomen again. Kevin bent over, spitting out saliva mingled with a little amount of blood.He now understood why people feared Scott. His blows were so painful as if his hands were made out of iron. His body was aching so badly.Scout grabbed his hair and raised him. "You should have thought of how weak you are before fighting with me. Now will you do as I say?"Anger welled up in Kelvin. He wasn't weak. He didn't want to get into a fight but Scott asked for one. Now he would give him one."Over my dead body." He screamed and, positioning his right leg, drove his right knee hard into Scott's groin."Ow." Scott screamed in pain and left Kevin to cover his area. As soon as he left Kevin, he pushed him to the ground."Scott." His goons shouted and left Darrin to rush to Scott."We better get out of here." Darrin said.During the process of turning to run, someone ordered behind them."Stop right there."Kevin could recognize that voice anywhere. Pressing his lips, he turned to face the last teacher he wanted to see today. Mr Clark.The man stared at them intently with his spectacle. "And would you two tell me why you are attacking him?""We can explain." Kevin said with difficulty as his body, especially his abdomen, was still aching.Mr. Clark prevented him from talking further. "Don't bother. I saw how you hit him. Seems like the punishments I give you haven't taught you anything and you want more. I'll gladly give you more."Kevin sighed inwardly annoyed with his situation and with Mr Clark's partiality. He didn't even ask what was going on or questioned Scott and Mabel.Just concluded that he's the main cause of the problem."Are you okay Scott?" Mr Clark asked.Scott, who had stood up with the help of his goons, nodded. His face was red in anger and for a moment, Kevin noticed that his eyes were orange. He strained his eyesight, but his eyes were back to brown. He shook his head, thinking he must be imagining things."You two will pay for breaking a rule. Follow without saying anything.""Um, just to be clear I didn't do...." Darrin tried to defend himself but Mr Clark interrupted with sternness."Weren't you clear when I said follow me and don't say anything?""But Scott also broke a rule.""Detention for you two tomorrow for trying to argue with me. Talk again and I'll add another one."Darrin opened his mouth and closed it back. Great, he was getting detention and punished for what he was innocent in. Just great."Good." Mr. Clark said when no one spoke. "Scott, Mabel and others, you can go. You two follow me."Kevin looked back as they followed Mr Clark. Mabel, Scott and his goons were glaring at them as they walked as if they wanted to throw daggers.He shouldn't have, but in a bid to rub salt in Scott's wounds, Kevin stuck out his tongue at them.*****It took approximately two hours and thirty minutes for them to finish up their punishments. The first one was to wash the whole cars in parking lot 1. Mr. Clark inspected the punishment and made sure they washed the cars squeaky clean. If he found even the slightest speck of dirt on any car, they would wash it all over again. After that, they cleaned his quarter and washed his toilet.By the time they were done, their limbs were aching like they ran a marathon and the pain in Kevin's abdomen hadn't subsided completely.It was a little bit dark. The bulbs and floodlights outside had been switched to brighten the school premises."This is all your fault. We could have just left and none of this would have happened." Darrin blamed Kevin as they made their way to their hostel. Dinnertime was coming soon."And that would give that crazy girl the confidence to do more. I wished I slapped her back. They shouldn't bother us after this." Kevin replied.Darrin shook his head. "Wrong. After what you did, I'm pretty sure you have been added to his blacklist. He will be after you now.""And I'll be ready for him."Someone came and stood in their way. Mabel."If it isn't the car washers." She taunted. "That's what you get for talking back at me.""Yeah right." Kevin wavered his hand. "Let me tell you this. If you ever in your entire life slap me again, I'll give it back to you, fourfold.""Hmph. Empty threats. You can never do it.""Slap me then. I triple dare you." Kevin dared, with a serious tone, looking at Mabel directly in her blue eyes.Mabel stared at him with a shocked expression, contemplating whether she should do the dare. Just then, her boyfriend barged in."What is going on here? Did he try anything Mabe?" He inquired."Relax. We didn't do anything. She was the one who came to us anyway." Kevin said.Ignoring Darrin's presence, Scott took a step forward to Kevin. "You'll pay for your actions. Thank your stars that my testicles weren't damaged.""I really wish they were damaged. People like you shouldn't reproduce and pass on your bad traits to your offspring." Kevin deadpanned."You'll regret your actions, Jones. Don't you forget it.""Ok, first of all, don't call me by my surname. And what is the worst you can do?" Kevin fired back, feeling irritated.Scott moved his face closer to Kevin's. "You'll see. Sooner than you think." He looked directly at Kevin's eyes.Kevin in return stared back to show he wasn't scared.Scott added. "I won't say much. Just be expecting a surprise. A hot surprise."Then his eyes flickered orange.Kevin's eyes widened at this and before he could react, Scott left with Mabel.Did he really see that? Nah, that's ridiculous. Impossible. But he couldn't help but remember how Scott looked like a beast. Maybe Scott was really dangerous."Uh-oh. You just made a new foe. A really bad one." Darrin remarked."Let's go." Kevin said ignoring his remark, as the dinner bell rang.After dinner, the students had their night routine.After they had their bath and wore their pajamas, everyone laid on their beds. Darrin and Kevin shared a bunk bed, with Kelvin taking the upper bed.As the curfew bell rang, Kevin couldn't stop thinking about the surprise that Scott said he should expect. That boy looked like he could do anything, whether dangerous or not, and this doesn't make Kelvin feel comfortable.Maybe he was overthinking this. He shouldn't feel scared. He would be ready for the surprise, whatever it is.With this thought, he raised his blanket and drifted to sleep ignorant of the fact that the surprise was coming that night.Two hours past midnight.Kevin's sleep was disturbed by intense heat. Hot nights had become a common thing in the dormitory ever since the air conditioner was damaged last two weeks. The students were used to it, but not when the heat was this intense. Although Kevin was awake, he kept his eyes closed, trying to ignore the heat. But it kept increasing on his body, forcing sweat out of his body. Because he easily perspired, his pajamas were already drenched with sweat. He rolled to his other side.To make the matter worse, a choking scent filled the air, replacing the fresh one. The scent became stronger every second. Suddenly, a scream echoed which forced him to sit up and open his eyes. He sneezed due to the choking scent. All he could see was large blurry orange color around. He rubbed his eyes to clear his eyesight. He looked again and what he saw nearly made his heart break free from his ribcage. He gasped, turning his head around swiftly. "Ah!" The person screamed again. Studen
Kevin's heart was still racing even after taking deep breaths in a bid to calm himself. But how can he be calm after the strange dream he just had? It felt so real as if it happened just a few moments ago in reality not in a dream. This thought made him wonder if he actually died and was a ghost presently. Then where was his body? That can be it. It was just a dream. No, a nightmare.The image of Darrin being dead and of Scott in his devilish form kept replaying in his head. Perhaps, he had overthought this hot surprise thing that Scott mentioned and that prompted him into having that dream. Scott can't be that dangerous to the extent that he would set the hostel ablaze just for vengeance, can he? All he needs to do is to calm down and everything will be alright. He assured himself with this thought and laid on his bed. Then his bladder felt full. He had to pee.Groaning inaudibly, he hopped down from his bed and made his way to the door carefully as the dormitory's light bulb was swit
"You two. What are you doing here?" A deep voice demanded. They had been caught.Kevin realized he didn't plan this scheme properly. He should have thought of how they won't get caught as security men were always patrolling around the school and the floodlights made it hard for one to walk around without being noticed. Kevin gulped, looking at the man who caught them. Being caught outside the hostel during curfew is one of the greatest offenses the principal detested. Culprits caught performing the act are either suspended or expelled, except if there is a life-or-death situation that prompted the act. He hoped the fire had started so that it would save them from any punishment."I said what are you two doing outside?" The man repeated. "And what is that noise coming from the inside?" Kevin said. "There is a fire in the hostel." Darrin looked at him with puzzlement instantly. "Fire?!" The security man hurriedly rushed to the hostel door and dipped his hand into his pocket. It came
Kevin watched buildings, infrastructures and people swoosh past his eyes with incredible speed. The sun was at its peak, giving out its heat and light rays on Fox City. The city was brimming and bustling with activities as pedestrians and vehicles moved about, doing their everyday business. Although the view outside was interesting, the ride was dead boring. Normally, on a drive like this, Darrin and Kevin would be deep in a funny conversation or play multiplayer games.But right now, his mother was turning the wheel with complete focus on the road before her. Darrin was just staring outside through the window, acting like he wasn't in the car.If not for the sound of the car and the noise outside, Kevin would have gone mad because of the huge silence.After traveling a long distance, the car came to a stop at the front of a gate. Inside was Darrin's home."I guess this is it. Bye Darrin." Kevin bade."Hmm, bye." Darrin hummed, not sparing a look at him as he alighted from the car.Ke
Seeing Mabel in his room astounded Kevin to the core. Why on earth would the school sassy queen come all the way from school to his house? They were enemies at the moment. So why was she here? How did she even know where he lives? Did she stalk him? Anger replaced his surprise. He didn't know how she got here but how dare she enter his room. "What are you doing here?" He asked.Mabel clicked her tongue, smirking. "Is that how you welcome a guest?" "The last time I checked you were never invited here. What are you doing in my room?" Without answering, she sniggered and twirled some strands of her blond hair on her index finger. She didn't seem fazed by the cold or fog that was still spreading out."You better get out of here before I go get my mum." Kevin folded his arms feeling irritated by her presence."Don't bother. I'll leave after I accomplish what I came here for." "What do you..." He didn't finish his statement before Mabel surprised him with a strange scene. She suddenly de
After Kevin had unsuccessfully tried to fall asleep, he decided to stay with his mother in her room. Maybe if someone was with him, he would fall asleep. But after he had knocked on the door, he decided against his former decision. What was he thinking? He was freaking sixteen. His mother will never allow him to sleep next to her. He seemed too old for that. But it was too late. His mother had already opened the door and asked him if there was a problem."I...uh..." Kevin hesitated. "Never mind. It's nothing serious. Goodnight." He turned slowly to leave hoping she won't call him back.Just as he thought, he was called back and told to come into her room."Is there something you will like to tell me Kevin?" His mother asked. He looked at his hands. "You know you can tell me anything." She placed her hands on his shoulder."Uh..." "Come on. Spit it." He sighed. He should just tell her the truth and release the weight of the secret from him. "Mum, something happened today. I also w
Kevin saw his life flash before his eyes as the car crashed hard and loudly on the strong stem of the tree, pushing them forward and hitting their heads on the car seats. A sense of dread had completely taken hold of him, thinking they were going to die. Luckily they weren't. They were okay but weren't spared cuts and bruises.Kevin pushed the car door open and came out with Darrin. He was rubbing his head which had hit the front seat as a result of the bumpings. Lisa and Darrin had bruises on their foreheads too.Kevin's head snapped to the road for fear of the blue car. The road was devoid of any vehicles. The car must have gone after accomplishing its mission.Shifting his gaze from the road, he examined the car. The front was badly crushed and smoke hissed out of the engine. Looks like they won't be using it anytime soon."Ouch. That looks bad." Darrin remarked, referring to the car. "Yeah. Looks like we are going to be stuck here for a while." Lisa added.Kevin's eyes scanned aro
Darrin charged and swung his sword at Mabel's head. Mabel bent her neck avoiding the sword blade as it swung above her head. Raising her neck quickly, she slashed her ice sword at Darrin who deflected it, the clashing of metal and ice echoing in the forest. His sword nearly slipped out of his hand due to the forceful impact and he jumped back. Darrin realized that Mabel had knowledge of sword fighting. Most demons usually depend on their powers. More determined to win this fight, he tightened his grip on the sword hilt and attacked. They started slashing their swords at each other, taking turns in attacking and defending. Darrin swung his sword at her when he found the chance and blocked Mabel's when necessary. He had initially thought that the ice sword would have shattered after he had hit several times but it hasn't and he had already attacked more than ten times. This won't be easy.Darrin flung his sword at her and Mabel parried it with hers, raising Darrin's sword in midair in
"A long time ago, in the ancient days, there were wizards. Wizards were respected as they kept magic in Kingdoms in check. The wizards provided magic for day-to-day activities and the days were peaceful. But as they say, good things don't last. "Some wizards started becoming greedy for power. They saw themselves as superior and wanted to rule. Among these wizards was Lim. He took his ambition far to another level. He searched and searched until he found a ritual to make himself the most powerful wizard. He informed his friend, Aidan who is another wizard, about this but Aidan wasn't greedy for power, so he refused. That broke their friendship. "Lim ignored Aidan's warning about the ritual involving strong dark magic. He went ahead and prepared everything, then performed the ritual on a full moon. It was almost successful and he felt the magic energy surging through him. For a moment, he was the most powerful wizard on Earth. But it was too much for him to handle and couldn't control
After they entered the elevator, Celia tapped number two and pressed the green button, making the elevator move to the next floor.The elevator stopped and dinged, then opened. "This is the Control Centre." Celia announced.They had just stepped into what looked like an office department. Long rectangular desks were arranged in rows with several swivel chairs arranged along their longest sides. People dressed in suits were seated, each one of the typing on computer systems. Everyone looked focused on their activity. Several bulbs hung on the white ceiling giving out light. There were some doors on the wall and a water dispenser stood at the corner of the room. "This is where the activities of demons are being checked, emergency calls are being taken, and other activities like that." After taking a look around and a little more explanation, they went back into the elevator and lifted to the next floor."This is the Weaponry Centre." Celia said as the elevator door dinged open. The
"How are you doing fellas?" Kevin said to them, trying to act casual. ‘Don't act weak. It will attract bullies.’ Finn's words resounded in his ears. Seems like he was already attracting bullies."How come you didn't attend our school for so long? Finn never told us he had a twin brother." Their leader snickered after blowing a bubble. Kevin noticed that one of his upper incisor tooth was missing."We are not twin brothers."They laughed and he asked. "What are you then?" "None of your business."He snorted. "I'm Gabe by the way. These two guys behind me are Maverick and Chuck. We own this school. Everyone respects us and no one would want to get on our bad side. How about we become friends? We'll offer you protection, grant you popularity in this school and in return you will give us some goodies and cash. That shouldn't be a problem for you. After all, you are from that rich family of Jones." Gabe reminded Kevin of Scott. Well, at least he wasn't some demon seeking to destroy him.
"Ok, Kevin. The time has come for me to go. I hope you still remember all the advice I gave you. I won't be here to scold or protect you for about a month. So please be a good boy." Lisa advised and kissed her son's forehead. Two luggage stood beside her."Mum, I've told you before. I'm not a child anymore. I'll be fine." "No matter what you think, you are still my baby. I'll call you every day." "Thanks, mum." The two of them hugged themselves."I'll miss you so much." "I'll miss you too. Ok mum, if we continue with this further you'll miss your flight. Seriously, I'll be fine." Lisa left him and rubbed his cheek. "Lisa, you'll miss your plane. You have to go now." Leo reminded. "Don't worry, we'll take care of him. He's part of our family, ok?" "Thank you, Leo, for everything.""It's alright Lisa. Now go." "One last hug?" She pouted at Kevin. Kevin sighed. "Ok."He spread out his arms and wrapped it around her. "Goodbye, mum." "Goodbye. I'll call you when I arrive." They br
Kevin was shocked seeing his mother in tears. The mother that took care and nurtured him alone for sixteen years. He had never seen her shed tears. "Mum, why are you crying?" He rushed to her."It's nothing." She tried to wipe her tears but more kept pouring out. "I'm fine." "You are obviously not fine. What is it?"She sniffled and said nothing. "Mum, it's okay." He gently wrapped his arms around her, hugging her. He was almost as tall as her so he didn't have to stretch. Lisa sobbed more in her son's embrace. "Your father died because of me." "What?" "If not for me, he wouldn't have run away from home with me to Texas. He would have never gone for that mission. He would still be alive." "Don't talk like that, mum. Dad loved you." Kevin said, breaking the hug. "Exactly." She sniffled. "His love for me made him do all of that. Maybe...if we just left each other then..." "Mum, stop." Kevin covered her mouth. "It wasn't your fault." "I don't know." Lisa said as Kevin slowly rem
"OMG! Kev. Wow." Darrin exclaimed, gazing at the devices inside the box. Inside the box were two laptops, three phones, two tablets, and three headphones."Kevin, do you realize all of these gadgets are the latest version?" Darrin noted."Oh my. You are right." Kevin took one phone and examined it. "I'm gonna kiss my uncle's foot whenever I see him again. This is... wonderful.""Awn. I'm jealous." Darrin pouted. "Hey don't be. Here have one." Kevin took one phone and handed it to Darrin. Darrin gawked. "Um...I didn't really mean I'm jealous...""Oh, if you insist I'll keep the phone." "I never said I didn't want it." Darrin quickly snatched the phone from him and Kevin laughed. "Oh, I see you have been given your Welcome Home present." Finn's voice sounded in the room and they turned to look at him at the door. "It was my idea." Finn added as he walked in. "Really? Thanks." "I would have come sooner if I didn't see my elder brother. I had no idea he was at home. Oh, have you se
"Is he going to be alright? He has been unconscious for an hour now." "He will be fine. Nothing bad happened to him. He just lost a lot of energy. Quit worrying Dad."The voices were indistinct but Kevin could make out what they were saying as he awakened. Everything was blurry at first but with time, it came piece by piece until the room became clear. He was on bed in a room that looked like a hospital ward. It had almost everything that a hospital ward needed. Just like the hospital in the Hunters Base. By the brown door, Leo talked with a young man who had his back faced to him. He was in a lab coat with a stethoscope hung around his neck."Oh, he's awake." Leo said as he saw Kevin sit up. The other guy turned and walked to the bed. "How are you feeling?" "A bit weak. How long was I out?" "An hour.""An hour?" "Since you aren't used to your ability, your body is still... adjusting. Abilities take energy to act up and let's just say your body is...lacking in sufficient energy
The floor felt cold and the scent of kerosene lingered in the atmosphere. Kevin opened his eyes and stood up to take a look around. He was in a small room with only one wooden door. The walls were brown, bare and had lots of cracks on them. The floor was made out of concrete which explains why it was cold. He traced the smell of the kerosene and saw that it was coming from a lantern on a small wooden table. Four old brown couches surrounded the table. The lantern was the only thing providing light as it was dark outside. Someone was sitting on one of the couches wearing a black gown. Kevin walked closer to the person. He contemplated before saying. "Hello." His voice echoed in the room but it seems the person couldn't hear because she didn't look up. Kevin went closer and discovered it was a woman. Due to the dim light, he couldn't see her face clearly but she looked familiar. She held a sleeping baby wrapped in a shawl on her arm. Kevin was still trying to see her face clearly wh
"Hey dear." The woman walked in and sat next to Kevin. "Sorry to disrupt your fun time but I have to make sure they always do their homework." Kevin nodded. "I understand.""In case you are wondering, I'm Gwen, Finn's mother." "Hmm. Explains why you like Arianna." She laughed softly. "You inherited Noah's look so much. People will think you and Finn are twin brothers. I just hope I won't mix up the both of you." Kevin chuckled. "Are you settling fine here?" "Yes. Everyone has been nice to me. I like it here." "Glad to hear that. Sorry again for ruining your fun." "It's okay." "If you say so. I have to go now. Have fun." She stood up and left Kevin alone in the game room.***"Hey cous." Finn announced his presence as he entered Kevin's room. Kevin, who had just stepped out from the game room after playing till he was tired, lifted his head. "You done with your homework?" He nodded and sat on his bed. "I don't have much homework today. Lucky me." There was a brief silence b