Oooh, that was delicious! As I was thinking of suitable subject matter, I briefly thought about a few variations on each. Yours, though, is much better any thing I had considered. I think you captured the emotions of a little boy "pissed" at the world pretty well. I think I could suggest a few improvements to some word choices. "...can hit off the side..." I think I'd replace "hit" with "glanced" ...ran down the street and into his yard and into his house ..." It just may be a grammatical sort of thing with me and I realize the multiple use of the words, "and into", could be a literary technique. But for me, I find it more pleasing to read: "...ran down the street, across his yard, and into his house ..." I guess you have gotten me spoiled. I just flow down your words with ease. So when I find a ripple in that flow, it sticks out for me. Other small nagging items: Who's Tank? (I think he's CB's friend and if I am correct, wonder if it would improve to slip that in) Do you think an 8-year-old boy would kick an adult between the legs? Possibly. In NY, Chicago, or East LA (to name a few cities), maybe. But, he's you character. I liked the repeated use of "stupid this" and "stupid that" used in the story. I think it captures the mood of CB. As usual, thanks for sharing!