Suddenly, the walls adjacent to the front yard and their bedroom simply disappear. In no time at all, the cold night air snuck up on them.

“Get your jackets on and let’s go. Both girls grabbed the closest coat and they walked across the threshold of their room to the front yard.  They looked back to reassure themselves that they were, in fact, still sleeping in their beds.  How can the parents object?  Each girl turned and ran to their big sister’s car.  They got in and buckled their seat belts.

“Where should we go?” asked Purity breathlessly.

“Let’s go have a midnight snack!” Prudy suggested.  Since it’s my birthday, I can eat for free.”

For the next several minutes, as they drive to Denny’s, they rapturously talked about school, boys, homecoming, boys, mean girls and BOYS. Bea had had her heart broken by a boy who she thought liked her.

“No wonder you are tearing up so much,” Prudy remarked.

“I got so used to talking to him at school,” Bea said starting to sniffle again.  The car pulled up to the restaurant.

“You got along without him before.  You will again.  Show him and yourself how strong you are, Bea.

“I don’t feel strong, Prudy.”

“Fake it, then,” Prudy said. “I’m not strong always either.  I just pretend I am, until I am again. I KNOW you can pretend Bea.  I used to watch you pretend to drive in the back seat when I’d drive you places.  I know you can do this.”

Bea looked up from her tears and smiled.  Her big sister, did in fact, know her well. And it was just so good to hear her voice again.

“Let’s eat!” Purity grabbed the door handle.

They shared a Grand Slam breakfast at Denny’s: pancakes with maple syrup, eggs, sausage and bacon. Music played on the restaurant speakers and Purity noted the constant refrain in the chorus…

https://youtu.be/dTKjS9sVHbw