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Show 71 "Why can't he work?" Amy asked, her question lethal with sharp edges. Parker studied Dyna's profile. The muscles were working in her jaw, but somehow she was holding herself in. "He does a little cabinet work when he can get it. But when you're seventy-six and you can't afford a car, you're not apt to be totin' those carpenter tools up an' down the street looking for jobs. Throw in a bad heart on top of everything else, what the hell?" Jan stood, plainly agitated, and walked the length of the room. When she came back, her eyes were fierce and her gestures were big and dramatic. "You guys gotta be blind if you can't see the drama in this. Oscar's Story. Let's write it. Let's get it on TV so the whole world can see!" "I'm with you," Lisa's eyes, too, grew snappy. Parker was aware that Mrs. Simpson had come in a few minutes earlier and slipped into a desk near the door, but Dyna's back was to their teacher. She didn't even break stride. "Taxes aren't the only problem Oscar has," Dyna ticked them off on her fingers. "His utilities on that big old house cost him half his social security check, which isn't much to start with. The doctor says he's flirting with emphysema, and he needs a new upper denture. That's one reason he mumbles." Dyna looked at John. "You know what I mean? You mumbles or you clicks." Even Amy had to smile when Derek loosened his jaw for a series of sound effects. "So what's our story?" Debbie asked. "We can't wait around to see what's going to happen to Oscar." "We need more details," Jan said. "And we need to know how it is to be in their shoes." Then, to Dyna, "Could we get some of the old people together again? Like last week? Would they talk to us?" "Oh, sure," Dyna answered, "they'll talk your leg off any time." Amy and John exchanged glances. Parker wondered how long it would take them to put up an objection. "I think we need to discuss this," Amy interjected, "and Mrs. Simpson's here now." Dyna and half the class looked around in surprise. Mrs. Simpson |
