“Great idea! We’re
really proud of you”? No way. Mom said: “A march? But
marches are dan gerous, aren’t they?” And Dad said,
“You’re kind of young for marches, aren’t you?” “Dad,”
I said, “I’m 16. I’m not a child. I can look af ter myself.”
Dad said, “I know you’re 16. That makes you a teenager,
doesn’t it? Not an adult!” And he and Mom started
laughing.