How to Be an Earthling: Money Doesn't Grow on Mars
Wh-when did you get this asked Jack Just this morning Nina finished dusting a shelf Isn’t it great Amazing whispered Jack Jack could just picture it in his collection He’d build a special display case for it with a spotlight shining on the cover Jack had been collecting Talons and Fire comics forever He always bought them at Nina’s shop Colossal Comics Nina was the only one he could talk to about T and F Everyone else’s eyes glazed over whenever he brought it up which he 12
just didn’t get How could people not be into a world ruled by dragons and danger and destiny Jack turned over the comic and looked at the price tag Twenty dollars Oof A regular T and F cost two dollars and he had a hard time coming up with that Usually he dug under the cushions in the living room couch But twenty bucks He’d never find that much He put the comic back on the shelf But he couldn’t stop staring at it So Jack said Nina I was just thinking I’m getting tired of dusting shelves How’d you like to help me out on Saturday mornings I could pay you five dollars a week 13
Jack gasped Really Then I could save up for the Talons and Fire Sure Nina said And if you like I could hang onto it for you while you earn the money Awesome shouted Jack I can only hold it for a month though Nina added Then I’ll have to put it up for sale again Deal Deal Jack said He shook Nina’s hand
See you next week she said Jack practically bounced along the sidewalk As he passed Betsy’s Diner he saw Betsy out front with a broom Good morning said Jack Morning Jack Just finished my Saturday sweeping Betsy explained I always have to do it fast so I don’t burn my muffins BING An idea popped into Jack’s brain Hey would you like some help he asked I’m going to be working at Colossal on Saturdays and I have plenty of time for another job I could sweep your sidewalk for you Jack that would be lovely I’ll give you two dollars a week And how about 15
