11
Welcome Home!
It was growing dark by the time Jerry reached home. By now his family would know for sure that he was no thief, but Jerry knew it was possible that his father would be angry about the charge account, in spite of the free box of candy. For a moment Jerry hesitated outside the door. Then he squared his shoulders and went in.
The whole family were in the kitchen. Jerry saw every eye turned toward him—every face light up with relief.
"Hi, Jerry, where've you been?" cried Andy.
"I told you he'd come back," said Cathy.
Jerry was so grateful to Cathy for having believed in him even when things looked bad that he thought he would never again tease her about reading lovey-dovey books or admiring herself in mirrors.
"Oh, Jerry!" cried his mother.
Jerry read the relief and welcome in her face—the love for him. He found that he was no longer angry with his mother. Somewhere on the long, long walk, his anger had died. He could understand that it had been no wonder she had believed the worst of him—getting that bill in the mail and all.
"Got anything to eat?" he asked her.