I shut the house door quickly and then slumped down to the floor, my head suddenly spinning.

“Mom?” I call out from my spot on the floor. “Dad?”

I slowly rise, hoping the spinning goes away quickly. I walk through the den, the living room, and then finally the kitchen. They are no where to be found. I notice a note on the kitchen counter as I walk by it.

Dear Faith,

We know you weren’t suppose to get home tonight, but just in case.. Don’t freak, your father and I went to a company dinner/dance night. We will be out all night and possibly part of tomorrow morning. You’ll be alright alone, right?

We love you sweetie!

I stare at the note. Go Mom and Dad. I think laughing. I make it all the way up to my room to unpack before I realize I left my suitcase in Bernard’s truck. Oh well.

I shuffle around the house for a bit before I finally go to bed. I get up early, having gone to bed early. I walk outside to get the morning paper and read it, and there on my pouch swing was Bernard.