although she did not hear her father's voice. Claire was rather too shy to step out of her room so she thought perhaps she would stay inside waiting for the place to get silent. She

e the way she was thirsty. She would

s reassuring, the darkness. The stillness and silence made her sleep even more enjoyable. She had been sleeping for a long time now and had not been able to discern whether or not the knocking she was hearing in her sleep was from an impeding nightmare or the reality. Eventually whoever calling her began to call

y as the woman seemed vain in all ramifications. She chose not to make it obvious she was wondering about her and then greeted her feebly. The woman nodded and entered the room closing the door before her.

cat?," she ask

basic rules they stuck to which she had broken one by bringing a cat into the house. They only had a fish and she could do without any furry animal. Claire apologized and explained to her that she would make certain that her pet did not get in anyone's way. The woman scoffed and said that as long as it remained in the confines of he

a deadly outbreak that had come to steal away their joy. The rest of the rules were basically the type anyone would hear in the house. Martha would see to the tidying up of the place and cooking which Claire might have to ass

e could come down for dinner and her father was not around. As she walked out of the room, Claire made a mental note which w

ier was there and his sister. Lucille smiled at her and pointed out a seat which was to be hers. Claire looked at the seat at the head which obviously was where her father would be stayi

stepsister. She would be livi

er." Andrew said sm

it through twelve grade?," the girl a

hose not to react. Lu

eanna, she is you

spat and went

traight to the point. You wouldn't blame her for being so

t Mrs Lucille

her. You are my dau

ring the girl so much. However she finished her food and carried off her dishes even though played modest by asking her to leave it be for Martha. When they were

alk around the area, maybe she would eventually find something to do that would give her the break. She could not be