Another Time

Dev gulped down his orange juice and grabbed his backpack, ready to dash out the door for the bus.

- Karen DelleCava

“Want to hang out after school today?” his younger brother, Ricky, asked.

“Um. Yeah. OK.” Dev was thinking about the busy week ahead of him: math test today, social studies paper due on Thursday. Computer club. Floor hockey practice.

At school, Dev slid into his seat for math. Maan from the floor hockey team was in the same class. He towered over Dev and was team captain. He was a little intimidating, which worked in the team’s favor.

“The team is coming over to practice today,” Maan said.

Dev remembered Ricky. “I don’t have my goalie equipment.”

“Don’t worry. I have extra,” said Maan.

Dev decided it was best to stay on Maan’s good side.

That afternoon, practice was grueling, and Dev caught a stick to the shin—twice. It turned out Maan didn’t have quite enough extra gear.

When Dev got home, Ricky was taking down the hockey net he’d set up in the driveway. He glared at Dev before stomping into the house. He wouldn’t listen to any apologies.

What was Dev supposed to do? He loved his little brother, but middle school was busy and he had a lot of new friends now. Why couldn’t Ricky understand?

That night before lights out, Ricky crawled into the top bunk.