I whistled a song without a melody, like a computer monitor without a tower. It was meaningless. I have to admit, even though my dog, Doug, had popped my last soccer ball, I couldn't help but whistle. It was a habit by now, and it made me feel like I was safe and nothing could hurt me. This time my whistle force field didn't work. Down the street came Billy Charragin and his goons that barely ever spoke. _The heck with my deflated soccer ball!_ I thought, and headed straight for my front door. It was too late, he had seen me. "Hey Pinocchio!" he shouted. He always calls me that because of my slightly larger-than-usual nose. "My name's Kent," I mumbled, even though I knew he wouldn't listen. He jumped my fence and grabbed me by the front of my shirt. I felt my feet leave the ground, and I could smell his dragon breath. I knew I was out of luck. My mother was out shopping, and my dad was busy writing checks. The only people other than us was Billy's goons, so I closed my eyes and braced myself. http://ficlets.com/feed/story/24790