"Oh. Uh, thanks." He ran a finger along the book's cover. Then he picked it up and held it to his chest. Maybe this would keep the turtles away. They avoided school things like the plague anyway.

He looked up and took the assignment back with his free hand. "I tried a little harder."

Pete set the assignment on his lap to help with the schoolwork guard. He reached into the candy bowl and stopped himself from grabbing half of it. He plucked out a couple pieces instead.