The Intruder

by Freida McFadden

I wish I were anywhere else but here. I especially wish I were back in Boston, in front of my classroom. I miss my students. I would have done anything for those kids. Except that’s what got me into trouble.

I study Rudy’s drawn features, wondering if he might feel compelled to pay me back at some point for shoving his face into the ground. He seems like the petty type. Well, that’s what my gun is for.

I love sleeping alone—always have. I love stretching out over the entire bed and making little sheet angels on the mattress. I don’t need anyone hogging the covers or snoring. I feel sorry for all those poor souls who have to share their beds every night.

if his interest in me isn’t romantic, what is it? Why is he always knocking on my door? There’s something about this man I don’t trust.

Kids are so vulnerable, and when the most important adult in your life betrays you, it’s hard to ever come back from that.

We pass Mrs. Fleming’s house first. It’s dark inside. A few days after I took out her trash, she slipped and fell during the night, and she hit her head really badly. She’s in the hospital now, and they’re not sure she’s going to get better. In other news, I’ve had money for lunch for the entire week.

I remember being at that tender intermediate age where you’re almost an older kid yet still sometimes feel like a little kid.

When someone deserves bad things, he says, it’s sometimes up to you to dispense justice.