Bluefish

On Monday, Velveeta no longer seems mad at Travis, but she’s still wearing the same scarf and seems a bit sad. Velveeta says Travis helps her often. Reading with Travis has been the best part of Velveeta’s life recently. Velveeta says she used to have a place where she could go to feel better, but now she can’t go there anymore. Travis says the same is true for him; he can’t go to the swamp near his old house anymore because they moved away. Velveeta’s happy place contained all her scarves, but now she just has one left.

Grandpa attends parent-teacher conferences. McQueen tells Grandpa Travis is one of the hardest workers he’s ever had. Grandpa feels silly for not realizing Travis couldn’t read sooner. Travis has a “D” in Social Studies, but Ms. Gordon expects he’ll improve. Grandpa gives Travis Rosco’s collar and rabies tag. He used to keep it in his bedroom as a reminder not to drink, but now, Travis is his reminder.

Velveeta is no longer writing to Calvin but about Calvin (and other topics). Jimmy says he’s moving to Texas, and Velveeta’s mom is “freaking,” even though he’s made this same