shayna ♡’s Reviews > We Have Always Lived in the Castle > Status Update

(Cont)

I put branches across the entrance; even if they came with lights they would not see us. It was not entirely dark; I could see the shadow that was Constance and when I put my head back I saw two or three stars, shining from far away between the leaves and the branches and down onto my head.

(Cont)

Someday we would go to the moon. I found the entrance to my hiding place and led Constance in and took her to the corner where there was a fresh pile of leaves and a blanket. I pushed her gently until she sat down and I took Uncle Julian's shawl away from her and covered her with it. A little purr came from the corner and I knew that Jonas had been waiting here for me.

(Cont next)

I knew my way in the darkness or in the light. I thought once how good it was that I had straightened my hiding place and freshened it, so it would now be pleasant for Constance. I would cover her with leaves, like children in a story, and keep her safe and warm. Perhaps I would sing to her or tell her stories; I would bring her bright fruits and berries and water in a leaf cup.

(Cont next)

Note: This last sentence about the house and Constance’s “We neatened it just the other day, it has no right to burn” comment in the last update insinuate the house being a living thing.

I took Constance along the porch to the corner where the vines grew thick, and she moved into the corner and pressed against the vines.… More lights moved into the driveway and up to the steps, and the front of the house was white and pale and uncomfortable at being so clearly visible; it had never been lighted before.

(Cont next update for a note)

"Uncle Julian is gathering his papers," Constance said, coming into the hall to stand beside me. She had Uncle Julian's shawl over her arm.
"We will have to go outside," I said. I knew that she was frightened, so I said, "We can stay on the porch, behind the vines, in the darkness."
"We neatened it just the other day," she said. "It has no right to burn."

(Cont)

…While Constance was cutting up another small piece of meat loaf Uncle Julian looked at Charles with an evil shine in his old eyes, and I knew he was going to say something wicked. "Young man," he began at last, [but Charles turned his head suddenly to look into the hall.
“I smell smoke,” Charles said.]

"I have cleaned my plate." Uncle Julian found a morsel of meat loaf on his napkin and put it into his mouth. "What do I have now?"
"Perhaps a little more, Uncle Julian? It is a pleasure to see you so hungry."
"I feel considerably better tonight. I have not felt so hearty for days."
I was pleased that Uncle Julian was well and I knew he was happy because he had been so discourteous to Charles.

(Cont next)

When I opened the kitchen door to go inside I could feel at once that the house still held anger, and I wondered that anyone could keep one emotion so long; I could hear his voice clearly from the kitchen, going on and on.