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as the neighborhood plumber’s granddaughters. Others would come and go. There was certainly no formality to our gathering. And of course, Carol. Sweet Carol.
Carol was shy, so much so, that I found her endearing. She was gentle and kind. A petite little thing with long chestnut hair, brown eyes, and lovely lashes. I would walk her home, glad to be in the company of someone so pleasant and cheerful, before having to make my way to the erratic sanctuary that was my home. I looked forward to spending time anywhere and with anyone before having to head home, a journey that I seldom looked forward to. Carol presented a peaceful and calm friendship. It was what I needed before arriving at my home where peace and calm was seldom had.
One early Spring day, just after my sixteenth birthday, while walking Carol home, she invited me in to meet her family. I thought it strange as I didn’t see the necessity for these introductions. Since going home was my only alternative, I agreed.
Her home was a gray, two-story, wood-frame that was typical of the neighborhood. The street was lined with mature oaks, tall maples, and a majestic chestnut here and there. All the branches still bare from the winter. Streetlights and utility poles, all tied together by power lines. The front porch with its tall white columns was the width of the house. On the second floor, sitting atop the porch was a sunroom that looked out onto the street and walkway. We climbed the porch stairs to the unlocked door and as she went in, I followed close behind.
The foyer, dimly lit, presented a heavy oak, pocket door leading into a living room with a single table lamp dressed in a rose silk lampshade and swaying fringe. The rooms were saturated in heavy oak trim. Ivory walls adorned with gloomy black & white framed pictures. It oozed warmth and comfort and age. A worn, wool carpet lay on the oak hardwood floor and vintage furnishings filled the room. A large crucifix hung on one wall just above a table cluttered with various religious artifacts and palms from the Sunday before. Immediately in front of us was an oak staircase with a