The Power of Hope

Sophi Bancroft

April 5, 3:45 p.m.
Lawrenceburg, KY

"Why do we have to move?" I shouted. "Because, well, just because," answered Mom. "But I love it out here in the country. Everything's so alive and beautiful. In the city everything's dead, and if not dead, it was never alive." "Oh, come on, Sophi. It's not that bad in the city. there will be more people for you to play with. You have a golden opportunity to make new friends." explained Dad. "But I already have friends. I'm friends with the birds and the trees, the fish and the frogs, the deer and the squirrels," I said. Mom rolled her eyes while Dad said, "We don't think it's healthy for you to believe that plants and animals are as intelligent as we are." "And they certainly don't think of you as a friend," added Mom. I sighed, realizing that I wouldn't get anywhere while they are stressed about packing. "You need to go pack," said Mom. "Your mother's right, sweetie." said Dad. I grumbled and went to my room, thinking about the right time to try again.
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April 5, 11:22 p.m.
Lawrenceburg, KY

I just didn't get it. Why are we moving. "Life is perfect here," I said to myself in bed. I looked at my clock. 11:22, it said. Ever since we started packing, I haven't been sleeping very well. I thought that Mom and Dad liked the country, especially Dad. Everything has been very weird the last week. First, a strange man visited us and had a long, private talk with my parents. The very next day, my parents want to move to Manhattan. "I just can't -" Just then, I heard something like a scratching, scraping sound. I went to my already open window (I like to leave it open to smell the cool, night breeze) and looked out. Strangely enough, there was nothing out there that could've made the noise I heard. All I saw was the usual view from my bedroom window, and an unusual bird. The bird was a chestnut brown and had a hot pink stripe down its side. "I'm just tired," I reassured myself. I just turned down the sheets when that bird fluttered into my room. "Hello," it said. "Ahhh!" I screamed and toppled into my dresser. "Y-you can t-t-talk," I stuttered. "Yes, I can talk, said the bird. "In fact, I can speak about a dozen different languages, including sign language." "I'm loosing it, I'm loosing it, I'm loosing it" I muttered. "We don't have much time, so let's get to the point. Did an unusual man visit you recently?" The bird asked. "And I've lost it," I thought. "Yes," I said slowly. "What did he say? Did he do anything peculiar?" asked the crazy bird who, I think, is, or has, been stalking me. "Um, I don't know, he had a private conversation with my parents. But, the day after they wanted to move to the city." The bird swore. "When will you be leaving?" it asked. "The day after tomorrow," I answered. "Then there's no time to loose. I will see you tomorrow." Then the bird ruffled her wings, and got ready to fly. "Wait," I cried. "I'm Sophi, Sophi Bancroft. Who are you?" It answered, "For now, I go by De."
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April 6
Lawrenceburg, KY

The next day went by in a blur. I was still dazed from the night before and had a hard time focusing. First, a strange lady with hot pink highlights came to our door. She asked me if I would be interested in a private class during the school year. "It would count as a regular school year, just with exclusive material. You and five others have been chosen out of millions of students. Its a great honor," she said. Before I could answer, my parents came in and asked the lady what she was doing here. She told them, basically, what she told me. "That's a great idea!" Mom exclaimed. "Yes, I think our daughter would have fun," added my Dad. "Wait a minute," I said collecting my thoughts. "Are you sending me away?" I asked a bit forcefully. "No, no sweetie. This is a one time opportunity that you need to take." said Dad. "When would she leave?" asked Mom. "Three days from now," the lady answered. "All right then, we'll get her packed." My jaw dropped. "Thank you, Mrs. Bancroft. See you in three days, Sophi." Then, she left in her mint green bug (I just now noticed it).
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"You're just going to let me be taken away to an private school, without me having a say or even an opinion?" I said, furious. "No Honey, we just think that this would be good for you. You should be proud of yourself, for you were chosen among millions," said Dad. "But-" "You are going to this camp and that is final. Now go to your room and pack," commanded Mom. I glared at her and ran to my room, not wanting my parents to see me cry.