It had been a long, humid day, and I was tired. I was beginning to take up the mantle of the family business- manta spotting. The day I'd turned sixteen, I'd received my first boating license and was out on the water. Today, however, I was about to meet someone new.

I left the boat at eight. Yawning, I headed to my house and was greeted by squeals. "Uncle Lance is back!" my nephews and nieces ran circles around me, until I picked up one of my nephews.

"Why hello there!" I said. "Have you been good today?" I looked around at the children, who were all nodding. I squinted and, drawing out the words, said "Are you sure?" Just then my mother walked into the room. I gently put down the kid and rose to give my mom a hug. "Hey Mom. How was your day?"

"Good," she said, a smile spreading across her face. "Now put some clothes that don't stink on. We're having dinner with the new neighbor." My mom pushed me out of the room. "Go!" she said curtly. "We leave in ten minutes."