***

“See the TV news?” Wyatt texted Asher.

“OMG!” Asher’s response was immediate.

Wyatt pushed the call button. “We’re in trouble. My dad’s going to kill me when he finds out.”

“We should run away. I have a cousin in Montana,” Asher whispered.

“Where’s Montana?” Wyatt looked around as if someone were listening.

“On the other side of Pennsylvania. You can’t drive there.”

“I don’t know how to fly.” Wyatt’s voice trembled.

“Did they mention us?”

“No. All the mayor said was Monday is officially National Parents Do Homework Day.” Wyatt leaned over and absent mindedly scratched Hijinks, who rubbed and purred against his ankle.

“He didn’t say it was a joke?”

“No.” Wyatt looked around again. His parents were out back having coffee.

“Maybe, since it was your dad’s computer, they think it’s real.”

Wyatt’s father stepped into the house shaking his head. Wyatt gulped. “Gotta go.” He popped up, the cat bolted, and he shoved his phone into his pocket.

“Wyatt,” his dad said with a frown. “What homework do you have due on Monday?”

“An algebra worksheet and a report on Lord of the Flies.” His voice was tight.

“Mom can help you with the report. Give me your algebra worksheet.” His dad walked past.

“Uh, OK.”

On Monday morning, Wyatt carried two homework assignments into school. Both were perfect. In fact, every student in his class handed in homework, a first.

After school, Asher ran to catch up. “Wy! Wy! Wait up.”

“Can you believe it? Everybody’s parents did their homework!” Wyatt was wide-eyed.

“I know, what do we do next?” Asher grinned a wicked smile.

“Next? Nothing. If my dad ever finds out that I used his computer to make up National Parents Do Homework Day, I’ll be grounded for life.”

“But what if next Monday was Free Ice Cream for Eighth Graders Day?”

“No, they’d figure that out.” . . . . . .