***
I answered the phone on the first ring.
"Hi, Mom, it's me."
"Katie, is something the matter?"
"No, everything's fine. I'm calling to ask you if it's all right if I tutor someone in Math for an hour at her house after school?"
"You're grounded. Remember?"
"I haven't forgotten. I can tutor her at home if you want."
"Oh God, honey. The house is such a mess." I shouldn't even consider the request, but I did. My daughter wanted to do something good, to help someone. I didn't know how I could refuse. What I didn't want to do was give in too easily. "I don't know, Katie."
"It's okay, Mom. Really. Don't sweat it. If you don't trust me ...."
"What's her name?"
"Veronica Burns."
"You never mentioned her before. Is she a new friend?"
"Uh-huh."
"Where does she live?"
"In an apartment above the barber shop on Main Street." She rhymed off the telephone number. "There won't be anyone home now, though. Her mother works during the day and her father works out of town. You can call there at four o'clock when we're there if you want. That's if you'll let me tutor her."
Katie really wanted to do this. I couldn't disappoint her. "Okay, Katie. One hour, then you come straight home."
"Got it."
"This is a good thing you're doing, honey."