"Looks like a dud to me," he said. "I'm going in. Don't let me spoil the fun. You two stay out here and let me know later if you see anything."

Carl stood up woozily from the blanket and staggered toward the house.

"Maybe I'll come with you --" Maddy started to say.

"No, no," Carl said. "You stay with Kyle. He hasn't watched a meteor shower before. I'm sure he'd prefer it if you stayed out here with him."

I'm sure he would, Maddy thought. That was the problem.

"We'll keep each other company," Kyle called to his father. "Goodnight, dad!"

"Goodnight!" Carl hollered as he entered the house...