Close Out by Todd Strasser

the size of car tires down to a large pie. Kai and his mom kept trying to touch them, but they always managed to stay just inches out of reach. It almost looked as if they were playing a game. Kai’s mom finally gave up and floated to the surface to watch while Kai kept diving down and chasing the big aquatic reptiles. Just when Kai was about to give up, the largest turtle of all suddenly swam slowly past him. Kai reached out and grabbed the edge of the turtle’s shell just behind the creature’s head. The next thing he knew, the turtle was pullinghim through the water. The turtle stretched its head out and glanced back at him with what almost looked like a smile….
    Kai opened his eyes and squinted up into the harsh yellow light of a floor lamp. He quickly covered his face with his hand. He was lying on Bean’s floor and someone was talking much too loudly: “Come on, you guys. First waves in more than a week. This is no time for sleep.”
    In his drowsy state Kai knew the voice wasn’t Bean’s. He peeked through his fingers and made out the forms of Booger and Shauna standing over him.
    â€œYou get them up,” he heard Shauna say. “I’ll get the coffee going.”
    Kai’s eyelids felt impossibly heavy. His whole body felt as if it was saturated with the need to sleep. He closed his eyes.
    â€œNo way, José,” Booger said.
    The toe of a shoe nudged him. “Go away,” Kai groaned.
    â€œYou think it’s fair that Shauna doesn’t get to surf because you guys were out late partying last night?” Booger asked.
    â€œSome party,” Kai heard Bean mutter from his bed. But then he heard the sound ofbedsprings squeaking and feet dragging on the floor. Bean had gotten up.
    Kai opened his eyes again. The cruel yellow light of the floor lamp was almost painful. Through the windows, he could see that it was still dark out. “What time is it?” he asked with a yawn.
    â€œLet’s see,” Booger said. “Not a minute before four thirty.”
    Kai groaned. He doubted he’d gotten more than three hours’ sleep. That, combined with the previous night on the beach, left him feeling half dead. He managed to sit up, then closed his eyes again and let his head nod.
    He was still holding on to the turtle’s shell, enjoying the ride, but the water around them was turning warm and dark and smelted like coffee….
    â€œCome on, Kai,” someone said.
    Kai forced his eyes to open again. Booger was holding a mug of coffee under his nose. The steamy aroma warmed his face. “Thanks, dude.” Kai took the mug in both hands and sipped. The coffee was hot. Somewhere in the apartment the toilet flushed and the faucet ran. The bathroom door opened, and Bean staggered out in a robe, his long black hair hanging well past his shoulders, his eyes puffy and only half open.
    Kai managed to get to his feet and took his turn in the bathroom. When he came out, the pace in Bean’s apartment had definitely speeded up.
    â€œOkay, let’s go!” When Booger clapped his hands it sounded like a sonic boom. “We’ve got waves today. Come on, let’s get on them!”
    Kai allowed himself to be led down the stairs and out into the cool dark predawn air. He stood half asleep while the others loaded boards and towels into the back of the hearse.
    â€œTime to go,” Booger said.
    â€œThere’s only room for three in the front seat,” Bean said with a yawn.
    Kai imagined lying down in the back of the hearse. “I’ll get in the back,” he volunteered.
    â€œNo way,” Booger said. “You lie down back there and we’ll never get you out. You’re in front. I’ll get in the back.”
    Kai did as he was told. Shauna sat between him and Bean, who appeared to be having some difficulty getting the key into the ignition. Finally Shauna reached over and helped him get the key into the