Thanks, Crescent. I didn't realize what a big pain Tank was going to be as a non-character. This is a lesson in what is clear in your own head can be a problem for someone else. Which is the only problem I have with Chuck's story. I'd like to be let in on what Joey's plan is. I'm a little worried where a little boy and a straggly dog are going. He's excited (about leaving his family) but I'd rather like to know what he thinks he'd be going to since he seems so confident it will solve his problem. All was "going as planned"...but what is the plan? does he have any money? (I don't know that he has anything in his bagpack but peanuts.) Is he going to a relative? Where is the somewhere where people aren't mean? I guess I want some rassurance he'll be okay. Which is a compliment, Chuck. You made me care about Joey, but I dont' feel quite finished with him at the end of the story. That's probably just me.