“Well then, there’s only one more thing.” He dropped the cigarette butt and ground it into the dirt with his boot.
“What’s that?”
“Whatever you do, don’t forget that she’s grounded. That means she can’t leave the house, period.” His tone became more serious. “If I was staying home with her, she wouldn’t even be allowed to leave her room. She knows it, and you can remind- you should remind her of it. Don’t let her push you around; she’s big for her age, and you’re pretty small; she might try and fight you.”
“I’ll take care of her.”
“Oh, and turn the lights out, if you don’t want trick-or-treaters coming by.” Backing toward his truck, he pulled a keyring from his pocket, and spun it on his finger. “Thanks again; y’all take care.”