Never Fear, Meena's Here! by Karla Manternach

Author:Karla Manternach
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: 2020-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

11

It doesn’t take long for the Ring to start working again. By the time I wake up that afternoon, I feel better—right back to my super self!

Too bad nobody treats me that way.

Rosie won’t stop watching me from across the room. Dad ruffles my hair more than usual when he comes home. Mom sends me to bed at the regular time, even though I already had a nap!

Then, at breakfast Tuesday morning, Mom turns to Rosie and says, “Pop quiz. What would you do if Meena had a seizure on the way to school?”

Rosie sets down her milk and answers so fast that I know they’ve been practicing. “Turn her on her side, and call for help.”

“Hang on,” I say. “Rosie doesn’t need to look out for me. I’m the big sister here!”

(And the only one with superpowers.)

“You look out for each other,” Mom says.

“Mom?” Rosie asks, twisting her napkin. “What if Meena has a seizure when we’re crossing the street? What do I do?”

Mom looks uncomfortable. “That isn’t very likely.”

“But she might get run over.”

“That’s an excellent point,” Dad says. He looks at me, rubs his chin, and then raises an eyebrow at Rosie. “Think you can drag your sister to the curb?”

Rosie gasps. I groan.

“I say grab her by the wrists,” Dad continues. “Or no. The ankles might be easier. Let’s practice.” He claps his hands and stands up. “Meena. Lie down on the floor.”

Rosie is giggling now.

“Dad,” I say.

“Maybe we should practice in the driveway. The tile is too slippery.”

“I’m fine.”

“You want to try rolling her?”

“Dad!” I insist. “I am completely fine.”

His eyes twinkle. He turns to Mom and shrugs. “She’s fine. Let them go.”

Rosie hops down, puts on her jacket and backpack, and turns to me. “Ready?” she asks. She doesn’t wait for an answer before she leads the way outside.

“Wait up,” I call, scrambling for my things.

As soon as I’m out the door, Rosie runs down the block to the first crossing. By the time I catch up, she’s already checking both ways for cars. She turns and holds out her hand, like she’s the one helping me across.

I grab Rosie’s wrist and step out in front of her, taking such big steps that I’m kind of dragging her.

If anyone around here is doing any helping, it’s me.

But when we turn the corner, I see something that makes me forget all about who’s in charge. A mattress is leaning against a tree by the curb. A rickety grill is sitting next to it, along with a wooden chair without any seat.

It’s bulk trash day! This is the only day all month that people can put out trash that’s too big for the bins.

I could furnish a whole house full of workshops with this stuff! I let go of Rosie and start running from pile to pile. Just look at this! There’s a saggy couch with torn cushions, a lopsided lamp, and an empty spool for a garden hose. There’s a lawn mower without an engine and a plastic cooler without a lid.

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