The treehouse is our pirate’s galleon. I’m the courageous Captain No-Beard; at my side, first mate Ben Gumm, chomping on a wad of Big League Chew.

“Hey Jaaaake, can I come up?”

Avast! It’s Lisa, I mean, the sea witch Lisarda. “No way!” I call down. “Ye can be takin’ yer snake-curses somewhere else, monster lady!”

“Aww, that’s not fair, Jake. How come I always have to be the snake monster?”

”’Cause, that’s what happens when ye be kissin’ snakes all the time!”

Ben grins and leans out the window. “Yeah, snakes named Mike Nichols! Kissy-kissy-kissy…” Ha! High-fives for that one. Lisa’s stamping her feet at the base of the tree and protesting for all she’s worth.

“Cap’n, enemy ship spotted on the horizon,” calls Lookout Jack. Ben and I turn to see, oh no… Shane’s crossing the street, coming our direction, teeth gleaming like crooked steak knives.

“Jake…” whines Lisa.

“Alright, ya sea witch, come aboard. Arrrrr, we’ll be havin’ ye walk the plank later. Helmsman, to port! We got a treasure to find!”