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“Besides,” said Marvin, “don’t you remember? You told me you wished Clarence would stop talking. He can still talk.”
Casey rubbed her chin. She looked sideways at Marvin.
He knew what she was thinking. She was thinking that she had wished Clarence would stop talking about sticking a needle through his thumb. That was different. Marvin had wished for a total “shut up.”
“I don’t see the difference,” Marvin said.
Casey glanced at him in a way that seemed to say, I can’t help it if you’re stupid.
“You’re faking,” Marvin accused.
Casey shrugged.
“Well, what do you want to do then?” Marvin asked. “You want to watch TV? You don’t have to talk to do that.”
Casey shrugged.
“All right, let’s watch TV,” said Marvin. “Teenage Caveman is on. Let’s see if you can watch that without laughing.”
Casey shrugged.
Teenage Caveman was one of Marvin’s favorite shows. He knew Casey liked it, too. She could imitate the teenage caveman’s voice perfectly. She always made him laugh.
Casey followed Marvin into the family room. He turned on the TV.
Casey watched the entire show without laughing or saying one word.
Marvin didn’t laugh either. The show didn’t seem as funny as usual.
Casey’s father came by at five o’clock to take Casey home.
“It was very nice to get to meet you, Casey,” said Marvin’s mother.
“Bye, Casey,” shouted Linzy.
Casey smiled at Marvin’s mother and waved to Linzy.
After she left, Marvin’s mother told him that Casey seemed like a very nice girl. “Although she’s kind of quiet, isn’t she?”
Marvin didn’t say anything.
7
A Conversation?
Casey could talk. Marvin was sure of it. If she couldn’t talk, one of her parents would have called and asked what happened.
He knew she’d have to say something in school. It would be impossible for her to go through a whole day in school without saying one word.
“Good morning, Casey,” he said as he sat down next to her.
She smiled at him, but said nothing.
He watched her during the Pledge of Allegiance. Her mouth formed the words, but she didn’t speak.
Finally, during math, Mrs. North asked her a question.
Casey pointed to her mouth. Then she held her hands out, as if to say she was helpless.
