Full Speed Ahead: My Journey with Kit

I look around Uncle Hendrick’s library for a piece of paper and a pencil. I find both on his desk, and I write him a letter. I thank him for inviting me to visit. But I’ve decided to go home. I don’t want to forge Lulu’s name, so I just sign it “Your Visitor.”

But, I also hate the idea of parting from Kit and leaving her feeling hurt and sad. So I write her a note, too:

I fold the note and write on the outside of it, Uncle Hendrick, please give this to Kit. Then I click the camera.

At home in my room, I think about how sometimes you have to let go of someone or something you love because it’s best for that person. Like I didn’t want to leave Kit, but I did anyway because it was what was best for her family. I wonder if that is the most important thing that I learned this summer. I open my laptop and start to write my essay.

When Mom gets home, she comes into my room. She says she’s sorry that it’s so late. Usually, I’d be sulky and nag Mom about how she’s never home, and I’d whine about how bored and lonely I am. But I’ve learned from Kit not to be selfish. I tell her that it’s okay. I know she had a long day. I’m just glad to see her now.

Mom thanks me. She looks pleased, but also a little surprised. I give Mom a hug and tell her that I know I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate how hard she works. I think about how Kit helped her mother with the boardinghouse and I ask if I could ever come with Mom to the lab where she works to see what it’s like.

A slow smile creeps onto Mom’s face. She says that she would love to show me around. Maybe when school starts, I could come to her office every Friday afternoon to hang out before going out to dinner. That way, we can spend more time together. I smile widely.

Then she says it’s time to make a cup of mint tea, and we’ll have a nice talk. I can tell her everything that I’ve done today.

I grin. She won’t believe how interesting today was.