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Show 7-8 Ruth was waiting on the brightly lighted porch. She ran out to us as Uncle John turned into the driveway. I got out and Uncle John handed me my bookbag. "How is he?" "Don't know. Larry's with him. I've got to get back." He backed the car out, and turned back the way we had come. Ruth and I stood in the silent, dark driveway for a minute after he left, watching as his taillight bobbed down the street and disappeared. She patted me on the head. "Come on in, Annie. How about some cookies? I baked some brownies. And in all this heat." She sniffed the air. "I wish it would rain," she said. I followed her into the house. I lay in the darkness of Ruth's spare bed that night, staring at the ceiling. I listened to the sound of the radio from the living room. Mother had called a few minutes before to say that Grandfather had made it to the hospital and was asleep now. Grandmother was anxious but calm. Ruth paused by my bed after she told me. "Everything ok, Annie? Do you need anything?" "No trhanks, I'm fine." I wanted her to leave. "Good-night then." I felt so alone in the dark room as if miles, not blocks, separated me from my family. I had stayed here before, once when Mother was sick and again when Grandfather had been in the hospital after his first attack. I didn't mind being with Ruth. She had been a part of our family as long as I remembered. |
