****
Meooow.
With all the other kids, Finny looked around, then ducked his head. How did that silly thing get out? On the outside ledge, Raskee butted his head against the glass.
“Franklin Joidean, is that your cat again?” Chalk tapped on the green board to join with the irritation in Mrs. Sanders’ voice.
“Yes Mrs. Sanders.” Finny looked up, uncomfortable at the use of his full name.
“Well. Don’t just sit there. Let him in.”
A chill swept into the classroom as Raskee jumped inside. Finny looked out. On the school track a lone figure moved with a slow jerking motion. That’s strange, he looks so familiar. Like Dad, but stooped and slower moving. Finny rubbed his bare left arm, just looking at him made the hairs itch.
“Franklin. Shut the window and sit down.” Mrs. Sanders tapped the chalk again.
Finny looked back. The track was empty. “Yes Mrs. Sanders.” He picked Raskee up and sat down at his desk.
“Way to go Franklin Joidean.” Jimmy Johnson snickered. He always put a mean twist on the end of Finny’s name.
“That’s enough James.” Mrs. Sanders turned to face the classroom. “Now listen everyone. Most of you will be in either Mr. Haroldson’s or Miss Kanxon’s class next year.” Mrs. Sanders smiled. “I hope you study as hard for them as you have for me.”
There was sadness in her voice that Finny didn’t understand. She brushed her face with the back of her hand. “Now gather all your things.” She turned back to the board to finish writing. If you do nothing else over the summer to learn, find a good book and read. It is the true way to experience the world.
The school bell rang. Chairs legs scrapped harshly on the floor. Desktops slammed as everyone did as Mrs. Sanders said, then rushed for the door. Joyful voices flowed to waiting buses and cars. Finny couldn’t bring himself to leave with the others. After all, they were going to enjoy their summer.
He, on the other hand, had to get ready to travel across the country to his grandmother’s. When the classroom was empty, he walked up to his teacher.
“Mrs…” His voice shook like a little kid’s. He stretched to make himself taller and cleared his throat. Somehow it made him sound more grownup. “Mrs. Sanders?”
“Yes?” Soft brown eyes twinkled with their usual happiness. “You asked for reading material for the summer, didn’t you?”
“Well. No. But…” It was a good idea. He swallowed the spit that filled his mouth.
“Here I think you’ll enjoy this.” She seemed not to notice his discomfort. “I made a list.” She sat down at her desk. “Once you get to your grandmother’s house, you should ask her to take you to the library. In the meantime…” She handed him a book with a red cover.
‘Misty’s Magical Shed’ blazed with a golden fury on the outside. It warmed in his hands when he took it.
“Thanks Mrs. Sanders.” When Finny picked Raskee up, the troublesome feline curled into a ball and settled comfortably against the book. His long black fur accentuated the bright cover. But when Finny put the book in his backpack and moved Raskee to his right arm, an angry growl let Finny know the cat was less than happy with his new location. Swinging the bag over his left shoulder, Finny ignored him and continued down the hallway. At the door he stopped for one last look at the school he had attended all his life. The way things were going, he wasn’t sure he’d be back for classes next year. His parents weren’t getting along. They might just leave him with Mama Jack forever.
He turned to leave, but a noise made him stop. Finny looked around. Nothing. Nobody in sight. When it sounded again, Finny realized it came from inside his backpack. The only thing different that usual in there was… No? It can’t be the book, he thought even though somehow he knew it was. Before he could make sure, the bag jumped and bucked. He stretched his arm down so it could fall to the floor. What was that sound? It couldn’t be a whinny, could it? He’d ridden a horse last summer at camp, so it sure sounded like it. With Raskee on the floor, he unzipped his backpack.