27 days left

A letter that Lily wrote. I intercepted it on it's merry little way through the mail.


Dear Aunt Janelle,

Dad just gave me this weird wink, like we're pals, or something. I mean, we've always been close, but after I ruined his favorite pan- the one his brother gave him on their 18th birthday- he's been a little distant. He says he's busy and he'll spend more time with me after his report about Dragons in Uganda has gone into The Office. But he's always writing reports. That's how we eat. Granted, this one is the deciding factor on whether or not they keep him around, but you would think he'd make some time for his eldest daughter.

What with dad being so busy, I've had to pick up even more work around here. Alice is only nine, so she's not expected to do much. Noni is ninety, and has really bad knees, so she's not expected to do much. And Dad is freaking out about Ugandan dragons, so he's not expected to do much.

And me? I am an able-bodied, fifteen and a half year old girl, so I am expected to do nearly everything. (shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, dishes) On top of which, Noni is always bugging me to go back to that boarding school near you. She doesn't really understand this unschooling thing.

So, on Friday, I'm packing my bags and making my escape. Alice's party will be in full swing then, the cake will be baked, the games planned, the house cleaned, and the cat in fully working order. Dad will be in the throws of The Final Draft, he won't notice anything. Noni will be charming, and take over the running of the party. She always likes to do that. And I will slip out the door and hop on a bus to Ottawa. I think this letter will reach you just before I do. I am not running away from home! I just need a break from all this, and I miss you so much.

Love, Lilly

P. S. Don't bother to clean your house.
P. P. S. Please don't call dad. I'll leave a note explaining things for him.
P. P. P. S. (I miss mom too.)


Written with assistance from The Writer's Toolbox.