It's All About The Moon When The Sun Ain't Shining by Ernest Hill

feet on the steps. Then I heard Mama in the hall walking toward the kitchen.

Chapter Six
    I t was a quarter ’til five when we exited the house and headed toward Daddy’s old pickup truck. It had been my intent to walk to Miss Hattie’s house (it was just a little over two miles) to get the car, then pick Mama up on the way out, but Daddy wouldn’t hear of it. Just kept saying it didn’t make any sense for me to walk when we could catch a ride with him. And as soon as we had stepped outside, I was glad he had made the offer. Overnight, the temperature had dropped and the unseasonably warm climate had given way. And not only was I thankful for the ride but I was also glad that I had brought my heavy clothes home with me from school. Up until this point the weather had been mild, but now it was cold. Freezing cold.
    When we reached the truck, Daddy climbed behind the wheel, and I followed Mama to the passenger side, and when she was ready, I opened the door and helped her in. She slid next to Daddy, then I climbed in next to her and hurriedly closed the door. It was cold in the truck. Real cold. I saw Mama look at Daddy.
    â€œNow, Nathaniel if this gon’ throw you off, me and Maurice can walk.”
    â€œAin’t no sense in that,” Daddy said. “Besides, it’s too cold to walk.”
    â€œWell, me and Maurice both bundled up pretty good,” she said. “I imagine we can manage if we have to. Just don’t want you to be late.”
    She was wearing her long, gray coat and her heavy winter shoes. I was wearing my tan jacket that stopped just below my waist.
    â€œI got time,” Daddy said.
    I saw Daddy put the key in the ignition. I heard the old engine turn over slow a couple of times before it finally started. It was cold inside the truck and I saw Daddy release the steering wheel and blow on his hands, then I saw him step on the gas. I heard the engine roar, then fall, then roar again. I buried my hands in my pockets, then leaned forward, shivering. I saw Daddy looking at me.
    â€œSoon as the engine warm up a little, I’ll turn on the heater.”
    I nodded, then dug my hands deep in my pockets. It was quiet a moment, and I saw Mama slide a little closer to Daddy. I don’t think it was conscious. Just think she was reacting to the cold.
    â€œYou sure you can make out without Maurice for a little while?” she asked.
    I saw Daddy nod, then turn on the wipers. Overnight, there had been a light freeze and a thin sheet of ice had formed on the windshield.
    â€œWe’ll make out just fine,” he said.
    â€œHate to leave you shorthanded.”
    â€œWe’ll be fine,” Daddy said again.
    â€œWell, I know Miss Hattie appreciate it.”
    â€œUn-hunh,” Daddy said. He depressed the accelerator again. The engine roared.
    â€œNice of her to give me a whole day’s pay for a couple hours work,” Mama said. “She ain’t had to do that.”
    â€œThis ain’t about you,” Daddy said. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him pull the truck into gear and peer back over his shoulder. “This about Maurice.”
    I had been leaning forward looking down toward the floor but when I heard my name I leaned back and turned toward Daddy.
    â€œMe!” I said.
    â€œYeah,” Daddy said. “You!”
    I continued to look at Daddy, but he was no longer looking at me. I watched him back the truck out into the street. Then, I heard the gears grind, and I felt the truck lurch forward.
    â€œWhat this got to do with me?” I asked.
    â€œMiss Hattie just making sure she teach you a lesson she figure you ain’t learned in school, that’s all,” Daddy said.
    â€œA lesson!” I said.
    â€œThat’s right,” he said. “A lesson.”
    I looked at him, confused.
    â€œWhat lesson?”
    He didn’t answer me immediately. Instead, he stared at the highway for a moment like he was