The children scrambled away from the artificial lake, slipping on wet grass as they fled the scene of their mud-soaked battlefield.
Leo led the charge, eyes scanning the backyard like a seasoned escape artist until he spotted a garden hose coiled near a flower bed.
" Right here! "he whispered, tugging the hose free. " Let's go! Before we get busted! "
The boys huddled in a circle, taking turns spraying each other down. Water splashed over their clothes, rinsing away clumps of algae and bits of lakeweed that slid off in slimy green ribbons. The ground beneath them turned into a swampy mess of grass and slush.
When most of the muck was gone, Leo ran both hands across his face, jittery with nerves. " Is my makeup still on? "
Elena leaned in, squinting like a jeweler inspectin
