Two Squeezes in Aisle Five

Two Squeezes in Aisle Five

Before the trip, Elijah sat at the kitchen table with his dad, Andre. Dog lay across his feet like a warm rug. "The store is loud," said Andre. "Let's make a plan." Elijah nodded. Plans were good.

"First, your orange headphones," said Andre. Elijah held them up. "Second, a quiet spot. The flowers, by the big window." Elijah counted on his fingers. "One, two." "Third," said Andre, "two squeezes of my hand means it's too much."

Elijah squeezed his dad's hand twice, just to practice. Squeeze, squeeze, and Andre squeezed back. Dog thumped his tail on the floor. "Dog says the plan is excellent," said Andre. Elijah grinned and tucked the Orange Headphones around his neck.

The Grocery Store doors slid open, and the whole place hummed. Carts rattled. Machines beeped. People talked and talked. Elijah held Andre's hand and looked up at the shelves, tall as green-and-red mountains. Dog waited close at his side.

Andre pushed the Shopping Cart and read the list. "Peppers, bread, and apples," he said. Elijah looked around. There were two things he could do first, and the choice was his.

Where should Elijah go first in the store?