It seemed everyone would rather forget it and move on. Neither Alex nor Ava slept well Sunday night. Early Monday morning Ava climbed out of bed and stumbled sleepily down the stairs to watch some dumb TV. She discovered that Alex was already sprawled out on the couch. The sisters exchanged a wary look. Ava hesitated, trying to decide if she should stay. Then she shrugged and settled into her usual place at the other end of the couch. Moxy jumped up and nestled between them. An hour later Mrs. Sackett appeared in the doorway, her hair up in a kerchief, wearing her painting clothes. “Ava Jane,” she said firmly. “We need to paint your room whether you like it or not. You may be fine with that hideous mustard color, but I, personally, can’t stand it. School starts next week, so now’s the time.” “Okay,” Ava said. “I do want to put up my posters.” “Come have some breakfast,” Mrs. Sackett commanded. “Then the two of you can move Ava’s stuff out into the hallway.”
