“You’re starting high school next year?” Alan said, as they were pouring syrup on their second helping. He was startled by this—how had they gotten so old so quickly?
“Uh-huh,” Eli said. “I guess.”
“So you’re graduating from elementary school this spring?”
“Yeah.” Eli grinned a chocolate smile at him. “It’s no big deal. There’s a party, though.”
“Where?”
“At some kid’s house.”
“It’s okay,” Alan said. “We can celebrate at home. Don’t let them get to you.”
“We can’t go?” Ed suddenly looked a little panicked.
“You’re invited?” He blurted it out and then wished he hadn’t.
“Of course we’re invited,” Fred said from inside Ed’s throat. “There’s going to be dancing.”