"What are you going to cut?" Mikal wanted to know. "A new home for our little trees," said Uncle Gene. "You see, grafting is like adoption. These little sticks are like children that are going to be adopted. We are going to choose a good home for them on this tree...."

"Will you die and live with Jesus?" asked Ryan. "That's what Grandma did. Mommy said so." Paige frowned. She didn't think she'd live with Jesus if she was being stubborn and sneaky.... Maybe she'd better not die, after all.

"Won't fight, huh." Eric gave his twisted arm a yank which brought another cry of pain from Johnny. "When I tell you to fight, you better fight! Or you'll wish you had," he continued grimly. Peter laughed with glee. "Get him, Eric. He's too scared to fight!"