Full Speed Ahead: My Journey with Kit

Suddenly, I know it’s time for me to go home. Home, where I won’t take things or people, especially Mom, for granted anymore. Home, where I’ll be what Kit has taught me to be: attentive, alert, and mindful. Come to think of it, don’t those three things add up to being what Mom wants me to be: responsible?

But what do I do about Buddy? I can’t take him home with me, and Kit already has a dog. I turn back to see the people at the soup kitchen and see Mrs. Schultz is tying a little girl shoelaces. That’s it. I know what to do.

I tell Kit that I think Buddy and I will stay here at the soup kitchen a little longer. And then, I’ll go home to my own family. Kit’s face falls and she asks if I’m sure. I nod. She asks if I know how to get home, and I pat the camera, saying that I know how to get home. Kit reluctantly says that’s okay, and that she’ll miss me. I tell her that I will miss her, too. And she should tell Uncle Hendrick thanks for sending me to her family, and I’ll catch him next time I’m here. Kit and I hug each other, and she pats Buddy and leaves.

I watch Kit go until I can’t see her anymore. Saying goodbye to Kit is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And then, even though it’s the second hardest thing I’ve ever done, I carry Buddy over to Mrs. Schultz and tell her the dog’s name is Buddy, and he’s a really nice dog. Maybe he could stay with Mrs. Schultz here, and be a buddy for the children who come to the soup kitchen.

Mrs. Schultz tilts her head. I want to leave him here? I nod because I can’t even speak. I kiss Buddy and put him in Mrs. Schultz arms. She says that Buddy can’t live here, but she knows her own family would love to have him. And he can come to work with her each day to cheer up the children. She gives me a heartfelt, thank you, and I nod again. And then I step outside, and go around the corner to where no one will see me, and I click the camera.

I find myself back in my room, missing Kit and Buddy so much that my heart aches. I remember how cool Kit’s room was because everything had a place where it belonged. So I put my books on the bookshelf, my shoes was in the closet, my laptop on my desk, and keep putting things away. Time starts to fly by.

I’m surprised when Mom pokes her head in the door and asks how I am. But she sees how tidy my room is, she asks what happened. I shrug and grin that there’s a place for everything, and everything has its place. Mom says she loves it. I jump up and tell her that she is the best Mom in the world. She says that it’s only because she has the best daughter in the world.

Then, Mom suggests that’s time for a cup of tea. I tell her I’d love that, but I have to write an essay for school first. Mom nods and says to take my time. But, she does want to talk to me about something. It seems like a girl who has a neat and tidy room and who is conscientious about her schoolwork might be ready to take care of a pet. What do I think?

I give Mom a hug again. I’m pretty sure there are both tears and stars in my eyes, as I say that that would be wonderful.