The Yellow Roof

Secret crayons

Big City, Gloom Street.

I learned a new word that day. No idea what it meant.

Friend.

I sat at my desk, ignoring my homework, and thinking about that word. The way it sounded gave no clue to what it could mean.

The door opened, and I looked at my book.

"Sarah!" my mom said. "Study time has been over for two minutes! Get to work or you'll have no dinner tonight."

I held my breath and snapped the book shut. I couldn't get behind. I grabbed my backpack, rushed past Mom, and ran out the front door.

The street was empty. I moaned, and ran toward the station. Can't be late, can't be late. My steps seemed too loud on the pavement. I'd always imagined there were other sounds. Sounds that were more...What was that other word I learned? Natural. More natural than the sounds of Big City.

What if the trees made noise? Or, what if there was some sort of driving force in the air that rustled the leaves?

The train whistle blew. Oh no.

I forced my legs to go faster. Why couldn't we live closer to the station? I zipped around the corner of Gloom Street and Tear Avenue. The grey houses blurred together.

I sighed.

Years ago, I'd drawn a street full of houses. They were all sorts of colors. Pink and blue and orange and yellow...sweet, sweet yellow.

Mom had found me in the closet with my secret crayons. She'd gasped and yelled at me. She put my picture in the trash, and threw my crayons in the fireplace. "What if the mayor found out! Big City has no use for color."

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Tell me what you think! I have no idea what's going on yet, so I'm only one step ahead you. If you're feeling courageous, give me your ideas!