A Nice Family Dinner

Still in shock from watching Diana, and barely remembering the book, Billy bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen. He sat down in his seat and asked, “Hey, what’s for dinner?”

“Meatloaf,” his mother said.

“Yuck,” Billy thought, “I hate meatloaf.”

Billy’s mother handed him a plate of meatloaf, and set one for herself. To Heather, she handed a plate of spaghetti and sauce.

“How come she gets to eat spaghetti?” Billy asked.

“You know your sister doesn’t eat meat,” his mother said.

“Damn it,” Billy thought, “It’s not fair. I should be the one getting the spaghetti.”

“You know something,” his mother commented, “I guess it’s not fair that she gets to have spaghetti while you have to eat the meatloaf. Heather dear, give your plate to your brother. You can find something to eat in the fridge.”

“Whoa, how did that happen?” Billy thought.

“But mom! Why can’t he eat his own food?” Heather whined.

“Shut up, you dumb bitch,” Billy thought. “Just let me have it and get yourself something else.”

“It’s not f...” Heather stopped mid sentence. She closed her mouth, got up, and walked to the fridge.

“What the hell is going on?” Billy thought. “There’s no way...” Then he remembered the book. “I wonder if... Ok, Heather, you want to eat the meatloaf after all.”

“You know mom, maybe I’ll give that meatloaf a try.”

Their mother stared at Heather in shock. "But I thought you don't eat meat, dear. Why the change of heart?"

"I dunno, mom," Heather replied, "I just thought I might give it another try."

Billy was elated. Lets, try something else, he thought.

“Mom, you really have to pee, right now. You can barely hold it in.”

“Will you two excuse me,” his mother said, “I’ll be right back.” She jumped out of her seat and ran to the bathroom. Billy could barely keep from jumping up and down for joy!

During the rest of that evening, Billy explored his power. He had his mother and sister doing all sorts of strange things. Billy discovered that by just thinking something, he could push his thought into someone else’s head. He was so busy trying out his gift, that he barely got any sleep that night.

The next day...