The next morning, I ended up sleeping in more than usual. By the time I wake up, I can already feel my heart racing with delight. It's dark outside and I can take off my glasses. I know I should not have taken them off last night, but who is to say that the lights would have come on. I swallow hard feeling the dryness in my throat.
I make my way to the kitchen; mom is starting breakfast. Her glasses are off and I start to observe her features. I never quite remember what she looks like without her glasses. She has a tiny nose and slightly bigger eyes. Her smile is giddy and I find the sides of my mouth creasing into a tilted crescent. I stand by the window, and I wave the curtains to the sides. Next, I unlatch the knob and open the window. The cool air hits me like a windy day at the beach.
Mom hands me a buttered piece of toast and I stuff it into my mouth. It's chilly outside, but that's just the impact of no sun in the sky. I can't wait to go to the Solem Festum! I can just imagine the faces of kids from school and the cool air. The food smells so close, yet so far. Only an hour away does the festival begin. I can hardly wait!
I make my way out the door stumbling on a pebble below my holey-shoes. I slide in a non-graceful manor and end up flat on the hard sidewalk. First, I feel the chiseled skin burning. Next, I feel the mucky liquid oozing out of me. I look down and see a flash of red soaking the ground. "Darn it!" I screech with pain. I carefully stand up, one hand hovering below the blood catching the red substance.
Mom tells me to wait on the couch. I hear Amelie crying through the walls and mom's soothing voice singing a melody. Her wailing stops, and instead I hear sniffles. Footsteps are coming close. Mom turns the corner holding Amelie's hand.
"I brought bandages." Mom announces as she enters the room with Amelie. I see her tug at Amelie's hand. This creates a smile upon Amelie's dirty face. Mom gathers the box and walks over to lay by me.
"Take the box." She hands the First-Aid Kit to me in one hand, Amelie's in the other. "I better go get this little monkey ready." She says this with a toothy smile and tickles my little sister. Amelie squeals and then kicks my mom in the knee. Ouch, I think to myself, that's got to hurt. With no hint of injury, mom pulls Amelie out of the room. I knew mom was strong, but I think being a widow has made her even stronger. She can deal with two strong, young minds and keep herself stable. Meanwhile, I am left bleeding with no one but my thoughts.
I place several bandages over my knee. It feels funny to walk with it on, the sides crease when I bend my knee. I feel a little uneven when I walk.
