Anemoia // Sally Face

21: Answers

July 31st

Every year my parents and I go on a trip during summer break. It's the one time of year we ever travel together, and for so long. This time we went to see my grandparents a few hours away from Nockfell. The whole trip was only two weeks, and right as I got back, Larry was pestering me to hang out with him and Sal. Normally this wouldn't be a problem but when we came back, my parents wanted me to help clean the entire house and get rid of things so we can buy some new furniture. But finally, today, I am able to have a sleep over with the two.

The sun had already set, and I grabbed my backpack and hoodie and walked toward the door. I had packed everything that I would need, and even a large bag of chips they like.

"Be safe Katie, and have fun," My father says from the living room.

"Not like this town is very dangerous," I laugh. I wish that were true, but the reality is this place hides some unusual secrets. Like the cult, which I hardly know about; and tonight, I plan to ask Sal about everything.

...

I can hear Larry's loud voice coming from the treehouse as I'm walking around the apartment building. It's amazing how his voice carries through the empty space, but still, I can't make out what he's saying.

The wooden steps of the treehouse are as worn out as ever but look like they need to be replaced soon, as they might fall off. With each step up, the fear of falling all the way down gnaws at me. Once I have a hold on the trap door to the top of the treehouse, I swing it open and hoist myself up. Larry and Sal are sitting facing each other looking as if they are in a heated debate. Sal looks over to me and waves me over to sit beside them.

"Katie you can settle this for us," Sal glares in Larry's direction.

"What do you think would be a better pet, a Cat or a bird?" Larry asks.

"Isn't the normal question a cat or a dog?" I say confused.

Sal seems to shutter as I mention a dog, and Larry shakes his head. "We don't like dogs really, Sal more than others, so we replaced the option with a bird," he explains.

"Ok... then I'd say a cat. They're cute and cuddly, and I'm kinda biased since I've had a cat and not a bird, plus Gizmo is super cute,"

"I hear you but consider a bird! Hardly any mess to clean up, they look cool, you sound cool by saying, "Yeah, I own a bird," like the bragging rights are crazy!" Larry exclaims.

"Larry that is the most stupid argument I've ever heard!" Sal yells. The two continue to bicker, and I step away to let them get it out of their system. I throw my bag on top of the couch cushions and take a seat making myself comfortable, since this will be a long night.

After a few minutes they settle their differences and come to the conclusion that both are good pets, but cats are slightly better.

"Sorry you had to witness all that Katie," Sal apologized.

"It's fine,"

"Now, let's have some fun finally! It's been so long since we've seen you!" Larry throws himself on top of the couch cushions beside me, stretching his long legs out in front of him, "How was your trip?"

"It was fun actually. It's been so long since I've seen my grandparents, I didn't realize how much I missed them. They live on a farm, so I got to go out in the morning and see the animals and help take care of them. The sheep were my favorite, they let you pet them when they were grazing the field," I recall the fond memory, "Also my grandma told me so many stories of her past when she was a teenager, and how 'wild' she was, she's always so fun to be with."