Don't Forget About Josie

Chapter 5

I couldn't sleep at all that night. I tossed and turned, stared at the plain walls, then counted sheep. Nothing seemed to work. I kept hearing Janis's voice in my head. "Family will always be there, but opportunities won't." After hearing those words for two restless hours, I knew what I had to do.

I turned on my dull night light and found my old Dora the Explorer suitcase. It would have to do. I grabbed Pa's flashlight, bottles of water, and boots. His rain boots were far too big for me, but my only other option were my pool flip flops. I found last year's winter coat, some caned food from the kitchen, and some envelopes and stamps incase I wanted to write. Finally I grabbed a picture of Mama that was torn right down the center. Stuffing everything into my suitcase, I had to pry the zipper shut. I found a pen and began writing notes to all the people I would miss the most. The hardest note to write was Little Tim's. "Dear Tim," I wrote, but immediately crossed out. "Hi Little Tim," I wrote in black ink. "Y'all might miss me, but I promise I'll be back to sing you a goodnight song sometime soon." Seeing the words on paper almost brought tears to my eyes. "Dear Janis," I began. "Thanks for telling me your story, take care of Wesley, Bill, and Cheryl for me. Stay well, I'll be back soon." But honestly, I didn't know when I would be back.

I kissed Little Tim on the cheek, and he hugged me back. "Bye Pa" I whispered. I was about to grab the door knob, when Rocky pulled on my jeans. "Be a good boy, Rocky." I said to the fluffy dog. He rubbed up against my legs, as if to say goodbye. I said a prayer silently in my head then stepped out into the cold night. I looked back at the rental house. I knew it'd be a long time before I saw it again. I didn't think at all. I just ran.