Charlie stares at him, the smile melting from his face. He understands what Gimpy wants, and he feels cornered.
He wants to please Gimpy, but there is something about the words learn and teach,
something to remember about being punished severely, but he doesn't recall what it is—
only a thin white hand upraised, hitting him to make him learn something he couldn't understand.
Charlie backs away but Gimpy grabs his arm. "Hey, kid, take it easy. We ain't gonna hurt you.
Look at him shaking like he's gonna fall apart. Look, Charlie.
"I got a nice new shiny good-luck piece for you to play with."
He holds out his hand and reveals a brass chain with a shiny brass disc that says STA-BRITE METAL POLISH.
He holds the chain by one end and the gleaming gold disc rotates slowly, catching the light of the fluorescent bulbs.
The pendant is a brightness that Charlie remembers but he doesn't know why or what.
He doesn't reach for it. He knows you get punished if you reach out for other people's things.
If someone puts it into your hand that is all right.
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