Full Speed Ahead: My Journey with Kit

I thank Uncle Hendrick, and tell him that I would like to stay here. My heart aches, but I know that Kit’s family will benefit most if I stay with him. I turn to Kit and tell her it was wonderful to meet her. I tell her to thank her family for me. Kit looks crestfallen. Quickly, I realize that I’ve got to make Kit think I’m staying for my own selfish reasons, to fool her into thinking that I’m staying because I want to, not because I know it will be best for her and her family. So I put on a snobby face and tell her that there’s more room for me here. I’ll be more comfortable.

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

After Kit and Buddy leave, Uncle Hendrick says that if I want something to eat, I should go to the kitchen and help myself. I shouldn’t come pestering to him. Then he leaves, and I’m all alone, too.

I walk into the room full of books. It smells of dust, and it seems like there hasn’t been an open window or a fresh breeze blowing in here in a hundred years. It’s weird. The room looks nothing like the living room in our apartment, but it feels the same way. Everything is so quiet. Or maybe it’s just me. I feel the same as I do at home: lonely. Maybe I might as well go home. Kit’s family has the money they need, at least for this month. They can take care of Buddy, and Buddy can be Grace’s pal. I can’t help the Kittredges anymore. Or can I?