The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

Elsa was clear about not leaving this room, so despite my hunger, I stay put, sitting cross-legged on the scratchy blanket and counting ceiling boards in the dim light until footsteps sound on the stairs.

Samantha arrives with dinner in a tin pail, apologizing that it’s not much, bread, cheese, an apple, a gingerbread cookie, Mrs. Hawkins guessing correctly I’d be hungry. Between bites of apple, she blurts out that she thinks they’re sending me away. She overheard Elsa complaining quietly to Grandmary, trying to stir up trouble.

I’m not surprised, I admit, I did make more work for Elsa in an already busy house. Samantha looks stunned that I’d defend Elsa, then worries aloud, biting her lip, if Grandmary does send me away, where would I even go? Not an orphanage, she hopes, her voice small.

No, I reassure Samantha quickly, just a long, lonely summer at Dad’s. Whatever happens next, though, I’m really glad I met her. She looks away, glad, too, but she’d hoped we’d become real friends. We already are, I tell her, she’s stood up for me, made my chores fun, and now she’s brought me dinner and worried over where I’ll end up. She’s been a wonderful friend. Pink-cheeked, she smiles and tells me to rest. Maybe morning will bring better news.

I nod slowly, and as Samantha heads back down the creaking stairs, I feel a little better, though still a little scared for tomorrow.