Page 36 - My Home on the Earth

weekend break with a friend to allow her sister time to settle in and give her a chance to look for a place to live.
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John felt relieved when his mum returned from the coast to their two cold, damp rooms. He excitedly pumped her with questions about his aunt’s house by the sea. ‘Are we
going to live with her?’ he cried.
‘She has an apartment, but it’s very small. Residents
can’t have children or pets. Not to worry, son. How about my cup of tea?’
Disappointed and confused, John went to the kitchen area whilst his mum smugly pondered over her sister’s address. Me in Rauston Quay! Well, I never, she thought.
Plucking up courage, she called out: ‘John! I have to return to the coast tomorrow, alone. I need more time to search for a place to stay.’
The boy was flabbergasted and demanded to know why he had to stay behind. He tried to get her to change her mind by suggesting they travel back and search together.
But Marissa wouldn’t budge and gave him a rail ticket for Saturday. She told him he must wear his best clothes and put everything else in his rucksack. If questioned, he was to say: ‘My mum is meeting me at Victoria Station because my grandpa is in the hospital.’
Early the next morning, after breakfast, she touched his cheek, and without a backward glance, walked out carrying two large suitcases containing their clothing and a few possessions. He sobbed quietly for hours. Once more,
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