For Joe
Max is going home today. Joe seemed to think that maybe Max's idea about the boat would work, and there were lots of rowboats around the beach and they'd be able to to row back home. Max is going to miss Joe, and maybe a few other people, but his mom is probably really worried by now. Maybe even worried enough to not be mad anymore about the biting. Claire's probably even noticed and maybe she'll be so worried she'll take Max to the movies like he's been asking for months.
He didn't really pack much into his little bag, just a few things he thought mom and Claire might like. Some flowers that he was trying not to squish and a little paper heart he made for Claire, as a sorry for destroying the old one. He'd carefully slipped out of his building without anyone noticing the bag and took off for Joe's office. It's probably bad not to say goodbye to more people, but he's afraid some grownup would stop him. Probably that one that made him wash his costume. He doesn't look nearly enough like a monster now that it's so clean.
It seems like it should be about time for Joe to leave so he curls up outside the door, resting his head against the wall, waiting. His eyes close as he pictures all the stuff he's gonna do when he gets home. The sun will still be dying and things will still hurt, but at least his mom will be there.
He didn't really pack much into his little bag, just a few things he thought mom and Claire might like. Some flowers that he was trying not to squish and a little paper heart he made for Claire, as a sorry for destroying the old one. He'd carefully slipped out of his building without anyone noticing the bag and took off for Joe's office. It's probably bad not to say goodbye to more people, but he's afraid some grownup would stop him. Probably that one that made him wash his costume. He doesn't look nearly enough like a monster now that it's so clean.
It seems like it should be about time for Joe to leave so he curls up outside the door, resting his head against the wall, waiting. His eyes close as he pictures all the stuff he's gonna do when he gets home. The sun will still be dying and things will still hurt, but at least his mom will be there.