Mom and Dad were in the back, enjoying the Adirondack chairs and sipping tea when I arrived home. I poked my head quickly outside to tell them I was home and then went upstairs to my room. I put away the clothes I had untidily scattered all over the closet floor and chose my outfit for tomorrow. After today, I would go for comfort for the rest of the week! I selected a beige flower print slip dress with a long black sweater, black tights, and chunky black loafers. I went downstairs to make my lunch for tomorrow, place it in the fridge, and then heat some pizza in the microwave. I sat down at the dining room table with a pizza plate and mug of chamomile tea. Mom came to join me shortly after that.
"I'm sorry I was so late today," I apologized. "I had a hard time concentrating in class, and
