The house was vacant for some time and having grown up in the neighborhood, she knew of the room in the back that contained a small kitchenette, a tiny bathroom, and just enough space for a cot and sleeping bag. It was part of the house rarely used by the elderly couple who once occupied the home. They used the main areas in the front of the house for living and the back room was rarely but occasionally given over to a guest when visiting for a night. Other than for guests, it was not much more than a storage area.
She knew of it and was quite adept at gaining entry on the nights when staying at her father's home was dangerous. She even felt that the prior occupants of the home would have approved of her temporary stays since she did little chores for them and had gotten to know their nature when they were alive. They were a sweet couple who wanted only the best for others. They treated her like a granddaughter. She felt in her heart they would not have minded had they known her situation.
Sometimes she would sleep under the stars near her home on warm summer evenings but when the weather threatened she used her hiding place for shelter. She felt protected there. If necessary, she thought, she could use the barn on the property but it was rather large, a bit drafty, and uninviting for just one person. The kitchenette plus cot was much cozier for a girl with nowhere else to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment