“You can read that,” his teacher says, “when you get home. Now’s the time for your lessons!”
At home, his father’s voice intrudes: “Close that damned book! We’ve got a ballgame tonight!”
Tucked in bed, only two more pages in, and already mother is yelling, “Turn off that light! It’s past your bedtime. --The flashlight, too!” she adds.
Clicking off the flashlight with a resigned sigh, he removes his head from under the covers, slamming his pillow with a frustrated THUD.
Then, smiling, he thinks: No matter! They can’t stop me from dreaming -- and closing his eyes, the story continues….