316 BEHIND THE CURTAINS

"Are you curious about the benefits of school suspension?" "What?" Patrick laughed. "I can stay up as long as I want on a school night; I can visit parks during the day on a school day; and I get to visit Keisha at the hospital!" James listed it out excitedly. Patrick laughed again but subtly asked him to drive him to the hospital this time. "I've got to get to work, kid. I don't think I can take you today." "But you don't have to stay, please, Patrick."Just drop me off and be on your way," he looked him over, noting the eager and expectant look in his eyes. "Okay, fine," he said, smiling at James' happy squeal. "But you have only ten minutes to get ready; we need to leave soon." "I got it," James replied as he dashed towards the location of his room. "Hi, James," Madison cheerfully greeted as he and Patrick approached her. "Good morning, Mrs. Dawson," they chorused, synchronizing and making Madison smile. "It's nice to see you two again. Tell me, why aren't you at school?" T