The sky was a clear blue; the air was cool, moist and still. The day was anticipatory. From my bedroom window, which was partially opened, I could see that all that was needed was for the sun to hit the tops of the grass; there was a light tinge of frost on the tips of the new green sprouts. The tree in the front of the house - in front of my window - hadn't grown new leaves yet, but the buds were there. They were not as much fun as the pussy-willow tree at Gramma's, which had fuzzy babies that I liked to rub on my face. They felt like little kittens, although the colour wasn't my favourite It would be a nice day once things started to get the heat.I had decided to visit Johnny. He, and his brother, Donny, lived right across the street but not directly in front of my house. I had to zig to the left a bit to get to the front door, which was the one their mom let us use. At my house, only grown-up guests were let in the front door.
I walked through the house, careful not to be too noisy; Mom had a foster baby in her room - that was where the crib was set up, against the wall next to the bathroom. I went down the steps from the kitchen, opened the back door and stepped outside.
The back porch was still in the shade, but the car-port, swing set and back-yard tree were all bathed in bright sunshine; I felt happy as I walked to the left, past the back fence, which was open, and along the sidewalk to the edge of the front yard. The front of Johnny's house was also in shade. The baby blue siding was much more like a dolphin colour. It was hot in the sun. I was glad I didn't put on my jacket. Mom would probably have made me. I was wearing sandals and could see my toes. They needed cutting.
The rocks on the road were many. The cleaner hadn't been to the neighbourhood yet. No one would be riding a bike on the road until the gravel was gone. It was too slippery to ride on.
I crossed to the other side, walked a bit down towards the hospital, and turned onto Johnny's sidewalk. I walked up the steps and rang the doorbell. His mom answered.
"Can I come in?" I asked.
She let me in. Johnny was watching TV.
My favourite show was Mr. Dressup. Well, at least on the weekdays. On the weekend, we also had Bugs Bunny and The Wonderful World of Disney, which were also really great to watch. I also like The Friendly Giant but I didn't like that French woman who was on the TV just after him and before Mr. Dressup started. Oh, I also loved Popcorn Playhouse, but that didn't start until after school. Mike and Kim would be home from school by then. The TV was on the wall that was against the outside of the house; we sat inside with the picture window on our left. It was uncurtained. I remember the light finally coming over the top of my house and entering into Johnny's. Time had passed, but how long is not known. The house was quiet - except for the TV - Johnny wasn't a big talker. He was a friend only because we were the same age. His mother was probably in the kitchen or downstairs doing laundry. I don't know. All I know was that it was peaceful there.
Something drew my eye to the street. The light was no longer shining right in my eyes, so I could see out without squinting. There was a car in front of my house. I was curious. We didn't have a car. The only people who came by with a car were my Gramma and Grampa and the social worker. This car was different. It was "black and white," just like the song. But it wasn't red all over... The policeman in the car got out and went up to the door. My mom opened it for him and he went inside. Now, I was really curious. Why would a policeman be at my house?
I was just about to put my shoes on when Johnny's mom came in to the room and said I had better get home. I did.
Mom and the policeman were just inside the door when I walked up to the front steps. She opened it and seemed really concerned. I told her I was at Johnny's and she told me never to do that again. Why couldn't I go to Johnny's? She said she was worried about me. I didn't really believe her on that one. I always went outside. If she wanted me, she just called my name out the door. I guess I realized the problem. I mean, I couldn't hear her in Johnny's house. She probably called, didn't see me and then called the police. Why didn't she just look for me, I wondered?
...After the policeman left, I got a spanking. One that involved her yelling in a screech. After she calmed down, she told me she loved me and only spanked me for my own good. I didn't believe her.
