Full Speed Ahead: My Journey with Kit

Back at the Kittredges’ house, everyone is in a state of excitement. Mrs. Kittredge says that she’s glad I came home with Kit because she wants to thank us. The neighbor told her that there was a call for her on the telephone. Mrs. Kittredge spoke to a very nice young woman who wants to rent a room in the house. She mentioned that we told her about it. Kit and I exchange a happy glance and say, “Ginger Rogers” in unison.

Mrs. Kittredge says that the young woman is not only willing to share a room with Kit, but she said she won’t mind sharing with Buddy. She says it was love at first sight between Buddy and her. She intends to move in next week. Kit says that that’s great news. Mr. Kittredge says that a new boarder is a new source of income. He smiles at us and says that thanks to us, they’ll be able to pay the mortgage this month.

Mrs. Kittridge adds that I am welcome stay as long as I like. The Kittredge family is grateful to me. I thank her and leave the Kittredges to celebrate together. Kit has told me that her room is at the very top of the house, in the attic. So Buddy and I keep going up until we can’t go up anymore. Kit’s room is tucked under the eaves and has four big windows that stick out. It’s cozy and airy at the same time. Buddy jumps up onto the bed and immediately goes to sleep. I love him so much, and he looks so comfortable and so at home. It as if he’s part of the family now.

Family. Kit has taught me a whole new idea of what family is. The Kittredges just opened their house and their hearts and created a different kind of family. They welcomed their boarders, Buddy, and me. And now they’re welcoming Ginger Rogers. And together, they’re going to make the best of their situation.

What about my family? It’s just Mom and me, but maybe we could work together to make the best of our situation, too. I could work at it, and I could start by thinking of things for Mom and me to do together. I hear a burst of laughter from downstairs. Buddy wakes up and pricks his ears. I call him over to me and tell him that it’s time for me to go home. He’ll be just fine here with the Kittredges and Ginger Rogers.

Before I can change my mind, I write a quick little note to Kit to say thank you and goodbye. I’m trembling as I pick up the camera, take one last look through the old-fashioned view finder at Kit’s cool attic room, and I click the button.

I open my eyes and find myself sitting on my bed. The door cracks open. It’s Mom. She says hello, and comments that I look lost in thought. She asks me what’s on my mind. I tell her, “Us.”

Mom sits on the bed and kicks off her high heels. I tell her it’d be fun for us to go somewhere together this weekend. Just the two of us. Mom smiles and says it would be fun. She asks me if I’d really like that? I fling my arms around her neck. Mom laughs and says that we do have a lot to talk about. For instance, maybe it’s time to add another member to the family?

I’m confused. I pull back to look at her face. And then she clarifies maybe a small, furry, roly-poly puppy?