Gary kicked the couch repeatedly with his heels, his arms folded across his stomach hoping to irritate the old man. He hated being watched by Mr Carlson, he was old and boring and had no games or toys at all.

“I’m hungry.” Gary said.

Mr Carlson looked up with that annoying smile, he always smiled and Gary couldn’t figure out why. Was it payment.

“Sure.” Mr Carlson said. “What you feel like having.”

Gary hummed for a few seconds as if he were thinking. “Got any fruity pebbles.” Gary knew the old man didn’t have that cereal but he didn’t care.

“Sorry, I don’t. There anything else you got a taste for.”