On the way home we stopped at KFC¡ªI mean Kentucky Fried Chicken. The name hadn't yet been shortened to accommodate people evidently too lazy to say the entire name.

Nubia set the table with paper plates and plastic forks, and as we took our seats Mom eyed Bill. "Where are your parents?"

Bill placed a chicken breast onto his plate without looking at my mom. "I left home when my parents didn't believe me."

Mom shook her head. "But how does a boy your age¡ªI mean a boy ...