“Was it? Tracy, come here.” I said, motioning toward her. She moved over, and I put my arm around her. “You are the most special girl in the world to me. I don’t care what Belle says, I wouldn’t trade you for the world.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“No, I’m not. Here,” I said, putting her head on my shoulder. “Now, let it all out, and get some sleep.” She cried for a bit, then turned around and lay down on the bed. I looked at her then realized that there was only one bed, and if Phillip was to check on me, it would look kinda funny if I slept on the floor. I undressed, put on a pair of shorts, and got in the bed, next to Tracy, who had turned on her side facing the opposite direction. I tried to fall asleep. She kept taking the blanket off of me, and I kept pulling back.

That night I had another dream. It was like what was happening now, except I felt a little seasick. I saw someone in the same room as me. It was strange.

The next morning, I awoke. Tracy’s arm was atop me. I lifted it off me, trying not to wake her. I got up and went downstairs for breakfast. I looked outside and saw that it was in the sixties. “Kinda chilly for October, isn’t it?” I asked Phillip.

“Yes. It’s awful chilly for October 11.”

“Where’s Belle?”

“She went to her sister’s. After what she said last night, she couldn’t face Tracy this morning.”

“It wasn’t that bad. Are we still planning to go to the zoo?”

“If you want to. I’ve gotta go down street today and find Belle.”

“Find her? I thought she was at your sister’s?”

“She is, but I’ve gotta pretend to find her. She gets this way.”

“Oh. Where’s your brother? I thought he lived her too.”

“Oh, he does. He came in late last night, after you went to bed. He doesn’t get up until late. You’ll probably be gone when he gets up.”

“How come I didn’t see him yesterday?”

“He was out with his girlfriend.”

“That explains it. Would you like me to take Joey to the zoo?”

“You might want to. He knows his way around there better than some of the attendants.” He said, with a straight face.

“You’re kidding!” I laughed.

“I’m serious. He studied the map for weeks before he went, and he told us where to go to get anywhere. There he is. Joey, how do you get to the panda from the front door?”

“Left, right, strait for two cages, left.” Joey said.

“Wow! I guess I’d better bring him with us. How about it, Joey. Would you like to go?” I asked.

“Sure, thanks Mr. Schofield. Will Mrs. Schofield be joining us?”

“Yes, and Kristin.” I replied.

“Kristin? I don’t want to go.”

“Joey, where are your manners?”