This is the first day I’ve parentally been allowed out of the house. I check the clock on the wall and decide that 7:00 AM isn’t too early to wake up the other girls. I shake Megan and Abby awake, but whisper so we won’t wake up Sunny. She doesn’t have a chore list a mile long to complete, and I know she will be upset that we are leaving—it’s better if she’s asleep when we head out. We all get ready quickly and quietly, moving through the bedroom and throwing on multiple layers of clothing like wraiths. I stop just long enough to pull the blanket up higher to cover Sunny, and then the three of us are pounding down the stairs. "Morning girls." Abby, Megan, and I stop in our tracks, seeing everyone but Sunny and Barry already gathered in the living room. I feel a little deflated. I'd felt special, like a real grown up getting up early for work all on my own. "Morning," Megan replies for us when Abby and I remain silent and gape. Obviously, Abby feels the same way I do. Everyone is gathered around the table with coffee and breakfast.
