"William!" snapped a stern female voice.
Bill gulped and looked up: there stood his mom, looking pretty pissed off ... and holding the Grellstone in her palm!
"This is the third time this week I've had to come after you!" she scolded. "I swear, you are so irresponsible. When are you going to grow up, mister?"
She handed him a backpack. Crap, thought Bill. I can't believe I forgot that.
"I can't believe you forgot again," Mom scolded. "Your homework, your lunch, all your school stuff is in here. And what's more, you left the house without doing your chores ... AGAIN! Why is it I never have to remind your sister. Kimberly is three years younger than you, and yet she seems so much more mature. You didn't put out the cat this morning, you didn't feed the dog, and you didn't take out the garbage. On top of that, your room is unholy mess! What's your excuse, mister?"
"Ummm," Bill gulped again and knew nothing he said would satisfy mom at this point.
"You make things so frustrating sometimes," said Mom angrily. "Sometimes I wish..."