3. I'm learning to be a better friend.

4. I have all these great thoughts whirring in my head.

5. I'm doing better at school.

6. One day I'm going to be a great cook, like Aunt Bessie.

7. My mother loved me before I was even born.

8. My dad knew me for only a little while, but I know that he loved me because he took the time to make this puzzle for me, even though he was very sick.

9. I'm not going to let either of them down.

10. I'm not going to let myself down.

It was starting to get dark out.

"We ought to head in for dinner," Uncle Hugh said, and led Caroline and Franklin down the stairs.

Aunt Bessie turned back and called, "Sloppy joes. Don't miss them."

I looked at the room I'd filled. I felt so different than I had at my birthday.

"It's nice," I said, "for certain things to stay the same."

"Yes, it is," Aunt Bessie said. "Come on, my wonderful Elise."

I left the door open when I went downstairs.

About the Author.

When Suzanne LaFleur was growing up, she loved spending time outside, swimming, reading, and writing. These are still her favorite things to do. She divides her time between Natick, Ma.s.sachusetts, and New York City. Visit her on the Web at suzannelafleur.com.

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