Since I was a kid I always thought everyone had a box. It wasnt something that separated me from my other friends growing up, it was just one of those things that would come up every once in a while, followed by some confused glances. It was my first week in kindergarten when I first brought up the box. I was more excited than ever, and I was determined to make as many friends as possible. Living where I lived, it got lonely at times, and you could only talk to the brick walls for so long. Unfortunately, I didnt take into account how judgmental kids were, and so when I skipped in on the first day of school, all it took was one glance at my raggedy clothes covered in stains and my messy, unbrushed hair, and they stayed as far away from me as possible. But there was one girl who didnt shy away at the sight of me, and that was Maddy. I thank God that I met Maddy that day, because I really dont know where Id be without her. As youve probably experienced, when youre that young, the second you start talking to someone they become your friend for life. So when I walked over to Maddy sitting at the building center playing with blocks, all I had to say was Hi, Im Grace and then we were inseparable. My original plan to make as many friends as possible faded away when I met Maddy, because she was all I really needed. We talked about anything and everything, jumping from topic to topic so quickly it is was no surprise that the box came up during our first conversation. Yeah, but at least I wasnt put in the box. I had said during our conversation about when I had climbed my apple tree in my backyard, all the way to the top when the branches snapped beneath me, sending me and 30 apples tumbling to the grass below. The box? Maddy asked, placing another block on our never ending tower, Whats that? You know, I replied, the box. Where you go when youre bad. Maddy nodded like she understood completely. Yeah, I get into trouble too sometimes. Hey, want to see a picture of my hamster? His name is Twinkie! Although Maddy and I had a close bond, most of our play dates and sleepovers took place at her house, so much so that she barely knew what my house looked like. If youd asked me why then, I probably would have said something like, Because Maddys house is much more fun, but I was too young to realize that I was subconsciously avoiding her coming to my home, especially since I was slowly learning that my lifestyle wasnt as normal as I had thought. A few weeks into kindergarten though, I was still oblivious to my obscure life. I had invited Maddy over for a play date, and she eagerly accepted. It was around 12pm on a Saturday afternoon when Maddys moms Subaru rolled into the drive way, and Maddy came running out of the backseat with her pig tails flapping in the wind. Wow! she had said, Your house is so big! Her eyes bulged out of her head as she stared up at the giant white house, covered with over 15 windows and a mahogany wood door. The porch stretched out onto the small lawn, decorated with a sitting area, a grill, and other miscellaneous trinkets. What Maddy didnt know was that I lived on 55 acres of land, so there was a lot that she couldnt see. I giggled, and replied, That isnt my house. Thats theirs. Maddy probably looked at me in confusion, but I was too eager to notice. Without hesitation, I began walking on the worn grass trail leading to the back of the house, where a large forest thrived. We had to walk through the woods to continue on the path, so I held Maddys hand to settle her nerves. We walked about 50 meters until we came to a small, worn down shed in the center of a small clearing - so small it only held the shed. W-whats this? Maddy stuttered. The glimmer she had in her eyes staring up at the white house was gone, and was replaced with nervousness and confusion. My house, silly. The shed was made out of gray stone, covered in leaves, animal droppings, and vines that had began growing up the sides of the little room. In contrast to the old walls was an iron door, resembling a vault to a bank. I twisted the large spindle and the door squeaked open, revealing what I described as home. To others, it looked more like an old abandoned shed while to the cops, it looked like child abuse. On the ground lay a small mattress, splotched with stains of yellow from when I was still learning how to potty train. A paper thin sheet lay on top with a small pillow. Next to the mattress were two dishes, one filled with murky water and the other with reminisces of my kibble that evening. Just those few things took up almost the entire scope of the shed. Maddy stood frozen at the entrance of my home, staring with wild eyes at my dirty belongings. This..is your home? Yeah, isnt it great? She took a step in hesitantly. But, she started, but why dont you live with your mom and dad? Arent you scared to live all by yourself out here? And where are all your toys?
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 08:27:54 +0000
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