Staying and Leaving

There was a cabin behind The Gate House-- it was renovated for long-term guests. I remember thinking, "Oh, it used to be so crappy." The house was made to look like a smaller version of the guest house. I went inside with my sister; we were on a break from a class. When we walked in there was a guy sleeping on the couch. The rooms were large with brightly painted walls, some of the paint was unfinished-- the laundry room was red, but I could see white streaks underneath it. I thought that the workers weren't through renovating. And the furniture inside was a juxtaposition of bedroom, living room, and kitchen furniture. There were beds in the living room and kitchen and a dining table in the bedroom.

My cousin, Mike, was sitting at the kitchen table with his head in his hands. I asked him what was wrong, but he wouldn't answer me. My other cousin, Emily, walked through the kitchen and into the laundry room. Suddenly I knew that everyone in the family was staying there.

My sister, Christine, and I were going to be late for class. The class was being taught by our fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Shultz. I told Christine that I was worried that Mrs. Shultz would be mad at us because we were gone for so long. Christine said, "Well how many times did you go get a cup of coffee today?"

"Twice." I answered.

"If she was mad you would know," said Christine.

Instead of going back to the classroom we walked to a mall to buy coffee.