The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

Elsa was very clear about me not leaving this room, so despite my hunger pangs, I don’t. I sit cross-legged on the blanket, counting the boards in the ceiling, when I hear footsteps on the stairs.

It’s Samantha, bringing dinner for me in a tin pail. As she pulls out food, she apologizes that it’s not much. Bread, cheese, an apple, and a gingerbread cookie. She says Mrs. Hawkins knew I would be hungry. I thank her and take a juicy bite of the apple. When I’m done with the apple, she blurts out that she thinks they’re going to send me away. She heard that nasty Elsa complaining to Grandmary, trying to make trouble for me.

I drop my hands to my lap and say I’m not surprised Elsa wants to send me away. I did make more work for her, and there was plenty for her to do already in a big house like this. Samantha looks amazed to hear me defending Elsa. She says I’m a good person, but if Grandmary sends me away, where will I go? Not to an orphanage, she hopes!

I quickly say no. I may be going to a home to a long, lonely summer at my dad’s house, but not to an orphanage. I tell her that whatever happens, I’m really glad I met her. Samantha looks away and says she is, too. But she was hoping we would become friends. I assure her that we are friends. She stood up for me. She made my chores a lot more fun. And even now, she brought me dinner and she’s worried about where I’m going next. Samantha has been a really good friend. Samantha smiles, her cheeks pink. She says now I should rest. Maybe things will be better in the morning.

I smile and nod. As Samantha starts down the stairs, I can’t help feeling a little bit better. And a little bit scared for tomorrow.