showing a lack of interest

a strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that

makes someone very eager

to return to a normal state after a period of difficulty

showing acceptance that something unpleasant will happen

not normal for a certain time of year

relating to what is possible rather

than to what is known to be true

a way of communicating thoughts directly from one person's

mind to another person's mind without using words or signals

in perfect condition

"But there'd be five. Someone might get suspicious," Mother said patiently. "Luke, we're just trying to protect you. How about a big slice of your bread? There's cold beef and canned beans, too."

___________, Luke sat down on the stairs.

Luke was so surprised, he lost his balance and almost fell backwards off the truck. By the time he _________ and righted himself, the face was gone. Had he imagined it?

Dad didn't answer. Even Mark, who normally had a smart-alecky

comeback for everything, was _________.

Now they played _________ games of cards or checkers with Luke,

but Luke could tell they'd rather be outside.

Luke was so excited, he stepped into the kitchen without a second thought this time. Who cared if the floor creaked? No one was there to hear it. He gathered up dishes from the table and piled them into the sink; scrubbing everything with extraordinary ________.

The thirteenth day was ________ warm, and Luke sweated in his attic.

The room was different. It reminded him of a word he'd never heard, only read: "_______." Nobody had ever stepped on these white rugs with manure-covered boots. Nobody had ever sat on those pale blue couches with corn-dust-covered jeans.

Now. It seemed so real, he remembered something he'd read in one of the old books in the attic about _______-supposedly if people really loved you, they could call out to you from miles away if you were in danger.

And in spite of himself, a crazy idea grew in his mind, sprouting new details daily. What if he sneaked into the Sports Family house and met the other third child? He could do it. It was possible. ________.