Aunt Julia had let them all sleep on sheets and blankets on the bare living room floor. While his back was a little sore, it was far less stuffy than it had been in the sleeping bags. For the first time since they had arrived, he didn’t wake up damp with sweat. Dana and Jack were still sleeping as he lifted himself up off the floor. As he padded past the kitchen, he spotted Julia, already dressed in her paint-stained jeans, working on her computer at the kitchen table. By the time he was dressed, she’d set the table with his favorite cereal. He was hungry and ate two bowls. Julia sipped her coffee and nibbled on her breakfast bar as she alternated between scrolling and typing quickly. Ron watched her work. Her lips were tight – what she was working on wasn’t making her very happy. He thought it wasn’t fair that she got to bring her computer when she wouldn’t let him bring his, but he knew that she was trying to find a new job and keep in touch with the woman that was minding the house.
