Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 65809 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65809 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
He gives me a stack of paper and it’s a good thing. I’m not great at spelling or writing at all and this is probably the first letter I’ve written to someone since I was in elementary school. I have a lot of scribbles on the first draft, but by the time I’m finished I think I have it right.
Now I just have to wait and see if she replies. Good thing I’ve got nothing but time on my hands.
Five
LIZZY
There’s a sweet old lady that lives next door to me named Mrs. Honey. She has an older son who comes by once a week to bring her groceries and take out the trash, but other than that she’s alone a lot.
We chatted a few times before she invited me over for tea one day and now we spend a lot of time together. She likes to show me pictures of her teenage grandchildren and talk about how she wishes they’d visit more. I never had grandparents with my parents having me so late in life. I can’t imagine not wanting to spend time with Mrs. Honey because she’s one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met.
Class is short today because of the bad weather coming and I stop by the store on the way home to pick up a few things for me and Mrs. Honey just in case we get snowed in. It’s nice having someone to talk to, and I think she likes fussing over me.
I drove the SUV today, and I’m glad I did because by the time I get out of class it’s already beginning to sleet. I make a quick trip to the store with everyone else in the town to get my milk and bread. I don’t know why, but I guess that’s what you buy when it starts snowing.
At first I was just planning on walking to school or taking the bus since it was so close, but the weather has gotten worse and it’s been a godsend to have the SUV in the garage.
“I’m here, Mrs. Honey!” I call out as I come through the back door and into the kitchen.
“Oh, Liz, I can’t believe you were out in this weather. You didn’t have to make a special trip just for me, did you?”
“No, of course not,” I say, even though I kind of did. It doesn’t matter though, I got myself a few treats anyway, so it was worth it. “Did they come by and fill up your propane yet?”
“Yes, Phillip called and had them come out today and asked if there was anything I needed.” Her son might not come by a lot, but he does call and check on her. “I told him you were going to the store for me, and he said that he’ll leave some money for you on Wednesday when he comes by.”
“Thank you.” I tried to refuse the money before but she seemed hurt that I wouldn't take it. I decided that it would be easier to accept it, and being on a fixed budget, I couldn’t really turn it down much longer.
“How was class today?” she asks as she goes over to the pot on the stove and pours me some hot chocolate.
“It was great. I got to dissect a pig!” She turns around with wide eyes and I realize I might be the only one excited by this news. “Sorry, it was just a big day and I did really well.”
“That’s wonderful, dear. Congratulations.” I can see that she tries to stay positive as she hides her shock and horror and it almost makes me laugh.
“How was your day today? Did Patricia have the baby?” I ask as I take the warm mug and bring it to my lips.
“She did, but then Stefano switched it with Kim’s baby and now I’m afraid they’re going to take her to Canada and hide her with the mafia.”
I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing because she takes her daytime soap operas very seriously. I nod along as she tells me the new storyline this week and I love to see how excited she gets when recounting it. We talk for a long time and laugh together. It’s one of the best parts of my day and I’m so thankful that I’m right next door to her.
“I made some extra soup for you to take home tonight. It’s going to get cold, so don’t stay too long,” Mrs. Honey says as she passes me a large Tupperware container of homemade chicken noodle.
“I think I can manage the quick walk without freezing to death,” I say, grabbing my coat and putting it on. “You be sure and call me if your power goes out or you need anything. I don’t plan on going anywhere tonight, but I’ll come over in the morning and we can finish watching season four of the Great British Baking Show.”