christmas shopping

He pulled a CD from the display – “The Wonder Pets,” a Nick show. It was for his little sister, Monica. It was her favorite. He took a quick look around, feigned nonchalance as best he knew, slid the CD inside his shirt and pushed it into the waistband of his pants. He knew, of course, what could happen to him. This wasn’t the first time, and it wasn’t as if he’d never been caught. But this was important. The county had placed him and Monica in different homes. The lady in the office said they wouldn’t split up siblings, but they did. He only saw her every other week and she always cried when they had to leave one another, again. This would be the perfect Christmas gift, though. He took a deep breath as he neared the exit and felt the package slide down from his waistband into his pants leg. No matter, he made it out. He felt the sweat on his back, now, in the cool evening. He walked a few blocks before re-examining the CD. He could almost picture Monica’s smile. She was three and not nearly as brave as he. Not yet, anyway. He was 12.