He's A Crook

Ben

My mom finished the pancakes and put the plate down on the kitchen table. She took a seat before we dished up, each of us taking pancakes and adding syrup to them. I bit into it, tasting the heavenly flavor.

After breakfast, I decided to head out. I had to get out of the house. My thoughts were driving me crazy, and I had no idea what to do about them.

I drove to the fire station. One of the fire engines was missing, and the only person around was the lieutenant, Ted.

“Where are the guys?” I asked. When there was an emergency, Ted was usually with them.

“They’re at a training course today,” Ted said. He opened the fridge and offered me a soda. I took it from him, and we each cracked open our bottles. “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing okay,” I said. “Working hard, but that’s life.”

“Are you ready to come back to work?” Ted asked.

I chuckled. “I wish.”

It had been my dream since I could remember to be a firefighter. It was still what I would have wanted to do with my life, but I had p