Chapter 5 - The Locked Front Door
Laura arrived first.
Her husband remained in the vehicle while she unloaded three children and several bags onto the porch.
Michael pulled in five minutes later with the other five grandchildren.
The adults expected Margaret to open the door before they reached it.
She did not.
Laura knocked.
Then knocked harder.
Michael tried the handle.
Locked.
The children began asking questions.
“Where’s Grandma?”
“Are we having cookies?”
“Why is the house dark?”
Laura called Margaret repeatedly.
No answer.
Then Ruth stepped from the neighboring house wearing a winter coat.
“Margaret isn’t home.”
Laura stared at her.
“Where did she go?”
“She didn’t tell me to share that.”
“We’re supposed to leave the children here.”
Ruth looked at the eight children.
“Did Margaret agree to that?”
Michael’s wife crossed her arms.
“She always watches them.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
Laura’s husband checked the time.
Their hotel reservation required check-in before noon to keep the upgraded room.
Michael had already paid for spa treatments.
They called Margaret again.
This time, she answered from the coast.
The conversation lasted less than a minute.
After Margaret ended it, Laura stood on the porch in disbelief.
Michael looked toward the children.
“So what are we supposed to do now?”
His oldest daughter heard him.
“Take us with you?”
May you like
The adults fell silent.
The answer had been obvious all along.
