The Change

Teddie

The wind was still blowing when I got back home. My ma was out in the strawberry patch, getting what was left of it. I walked up the creeky steps and hurled myself on my squeaky bed. I had the whole upstairs to myself. It was small of course, but I liked it. I decided I'd spare supper for tomorrow. I was too tired to eat. I slept till about 9 that morning, late for school again. I rushed downstairs and grabbed my backpack. No one here. That was funny, because my ma said goodbye to me every day. I shrugged. Too busy I guess. I walked to school and Got there at 9:45, just in time for math. I did it all. It was so easy, along with Bible, reading and social studies. Then came lunch. I was so hungry, and I wished I'd eaten breakfast. While I sat by myself as usual, I munched on a taco with some salad. Then came a tap on my shoulder.
"Shayla, you have to come with me right away." I hated it when people called me that. It just didn't suit me, and it meant I was in trouble. I left my lunch and followed this guy. He led me to the principal's office, and sat me in a chair. "Shayla," said the principal, "Something has happened to your parents." I froze. "We heard from the police that they found two dead bodies laying outside your house, and saw a man run into the shadows as soon as the they came. Shayla Andrews, they passed away." I dint move. That's why I didn't see them. I'm not the kind to pass out, and I had so many questions. Was this a dream? Why didn't they see me upstairs? Something prickled up my spine. Oh, I wanted to talk to Manga so badly. Manga. Oh Manga! What did they do with him? "Where did they put my pony?" I asked suddenly. He looked surprised, and then I realized this was real. My parents were gone. My pony was gone. My cat was gone. My little farm was gone. My life was gone.