Stay out of the basement (1)

Stay out of the basement (1)

" Hey, Dadーcatch !"
Casey tossed the Frisbee across the smooth, green lawn.

Casey's dad made a face, squinting into the sun.

The Frisbee hit the ground and skipped a few times before landing under the hedge at the back of the house.

" Not today, I'm busy, " Dr.Brewer said, and abruptly turned and loped into the house.
The screen door slammed behind him.

Casey brushed his straight blond hair back off his forehead.
" What's his problem ? " he called to Margaret, his sister, who had watched the whole scene from the side of the redwood garage.

" You know, " Margaret said quietly.
She wiped her hands on the legs of her jeans and held them both up, inviting a toss.

" I"ll play Frisbee with you for a little while, " she said.

"Okay, " Casey said without to retrieve the Frisbee from under the hedge.

Margaret moved closer.
She felt sorry for Casey.

He and their dad were really close, always playing ball or Frisbee or Nintendo together.

But Dr. Brewer didn't seem to have time for that anymore.

Jumping up to catch the Frisbee, Margaret realized she felt sorry for herself, too.

Dad hadn't been the same to her, either. 
In fact, he spent so much time down in the basement, he barely said a word to her.

He doesn't even call me Princess anymore, Margaret thought.
It was a nickname she hated.
But at least it was a nickname, a sign of closeness.

(つづく　1/5)