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Show 1101 regular scrounge. And now, after three weeks, Gram was coming home and Dyna would have to tell her they didn't have any food stamps. She had reasoned it all out earlier. Parker wouldn't notice if a pound or two of meat was missing from their freezer. What's a can of vegetables, more or less? They bought theirs by the case, anyway. Somehow, she'd make it up. She'd send them money. Anonymously. She'd heard of people doing that. What she hadn't counted on was Parker's presence, which was everywhere in this house. In his room, especially, but also on the stairs and here in the kitchen* The idea was weird and perverse and she hated herself for thinking it, but she wished Parker was here. He'd give her food if she asked. Slowly, systematically, Dyna opened one cupboard door after another. She surveyed the cans, the boxes of cereal, the stacked packages of Ramen noodles. She sniffed at the potatoes, onions and garlic she found stored under the sink. She considered the leftovers in the refrigerator, her mouth watering at the sight of one lone dish of chocolate pudding. Last of all, she stood staring at the dazzling display of silver and glass behind tall doors in the dining room. It was all so accessible! In two minutes she could have her bag bulging with enough food to last the week. She could even leave a note, would that make it any better? "Dear Parker, I haven't had a square meal since Sunday night at the Mums'." She smiled ruefully, knowing she wouldn't do that. She was like Gram. She was too proud to beg. Gram would starve before she'd beg-or steal! The dufflebag stood empty and waiting on the counter, but hot embers burned holes in Dyna's stomach. Suddenly, she knew she wouldn't touch any of it. It wasn't hers. Before her very eyes, the fine line she'd drawn between borrowing and stealing disappeared. It was true, she couldn't steal anymore. Even here, where there was enough for two families. Dyna swallowed hard. How much she'd wanted one of the bananas on the counter 1 She could smell them-sweet and ripe inside their skins. She wondered if Parker arranged them himself, the grapes and bananas on top with the shiny green avocado peeking out that way. She wanted a banana so much tears stung her eyes. |