2. Leaving Poole (Fragment)

We were under that bed for what felt like 3 days even though Lottie said it was only a few hours. I felt myself over to check if I was any taller. Yep, definitely only a few hours. We had a good night’s sleep under that bed. I never realized how comfortable it was.

I started to walk towards the window and to Mum’s rocking chair, where I liked feeling the sun as I sewed. But instead of getting a warm greeting from the sun, I felt a heavy wind and sharp objects that hit me, repeatedly. I screamed in frustration.

“What’s the matter Olivia?” asked Lottie, but then she turned her back to me as I felt her dress and hair lightly slap me.

“Oh! Just shut the window silly!

“They’re just ashes. Hey, is that a note?” Lottie just stood there for a moment until she fell back down.

“Lottie!” I shrieked. I felt around the floor until I found her. I felt her hands, and they were oddly sweaty and clammy. There was something in her hands. I took it out of her hands.

Paper!

I had paper in my hands!

I had never felt paper and it was thin and weird.

It had some carving in it that I could feel. I wanted to see what it would be like to tear it but since Lottie fainted while reading it, I figured it was important.

I wonder where Charlotte is. I started walking towards the kitchen, but tiny sparks of pain kept on going off in my foot.

“Careful with the ashes and—”

“Laurie, sweep the floor. Lucy, please get that paper out of Lottie’s hand and lay it on the table. Don’t you dare read it; I don’t want you fainting too. Elsie, grab a bunch of pillows and blankets for Lottie,” I instructed as I walked to the kitchen to get a wet towel.

When I walked back to Lottie, I placed the towel on her head. I sat and nodded so all my siblings would sit down. I handed the paper to Lucy.

“Read,” I told her firmly but kindly.