Full Speed Ahead: My Journey with Kit

I thank Uncle Hendrick and tell him I would like to stay here. My heart aches, but Kit’s family will benefit most if I do. I tell Kit it was wonderful to meet her, and to thank her family for me. She looks crestfallen, so I put on a snobby face and claim there’s more room here and I’ll be more comfortable, not that I care what happens to her family.

Kit looks confused and hurt, but Uncle Hendrick doesn’t give her time to ask what happened. He orders her to leave and take the ill-behaved dog with her. Her crushed look almost makes me change my mind. She heads down the steps, and I know I’m watching one of the best friends I’ll ever have walk away. Buddy watches me over her shoulder with a sad look, and I turn my head. Staying with Uncle Hendrick is best for the Kittredges, but that doesn’t make it hurt less.

Once they’re gone, Uncle Hendrick tells me to help myself to food in the kitchen instead of pestering him, then leaves me alone, too.

I wander into a dusty room full of books that feels as quiet and lonely as our apartment back home. Maybe I should go home after all. Kit’s family has the money they need for now, and Buddy can be Grace’s pal. I can’t help the Kittredges anymore. Or can I?