You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
painters are finished.”<br />
“What painters?”<br />
“You don’t actually like this color, do you, Fay?”<br />
Mom clamps her teeth together.<br />
“I don’t know how long I’ll be staying,” Aunt Marty<br />
says. “Why not make it beautiful?”<br />
“What do you mean, you don’t know how long you’re<br />
staying?”<br />
Still holding the water tray, I watch the two of them like<br />
a spectator at a tennis match.<br />
“Don’t worry,” says Aunt Marty, “I’ll make myself<br />
useful.”<br />
“By changing everything?” My mother’s nostrils flare.<br />
“Let’s get Ruthie’s opinion.”<br />
A jolt of electricity shoots through my arms.<br />
“Would you like to see a little color on the walls?” Aunt<br />
Marty asks.<br />
I freeze. Is this the question Mom is worried about?<br />
Paint?<br />
“No,” I say. Hey, a promise is a promise.<br />
“I’m sure you’ll change your mind when you see it<br />
done.”<br />
Aunt Marty completely disregards both me and my<br />
mom. Wow. How do you get confidence like that? Was she<br />
born with it? Is there hope for someone whose mother knits<br />
baby blankies for a living?<br />
Old Mr. Arthur waddles into the living room.<br />
60
Change language