Dino Had a Gun



So, frantic call at night . . . 
Dino, downtown, in jail 
or something, mom rushing out



Where’s Felix, step-dad, Dino’s friend -- work, or lost his license, or anyway
Dino and mom return


I open the door, Dino standing there, revolver in hand, pointed 
right at me. I blanch, Jesus, I’m spooked.


Then he laughs “It’s not real kid, just a toy” mom comes up behind, oblivious


Dino spends the night,  I don’t remember where. Couch, the back room, what.


But the gun. And when I asked what happened, mom said Dino was just playing around being a joker. He wasn’t really in jail. He just needed a ride, fast.


Out of downtown.  


With his gun.