"Auntie, I'm planning to fly back to the U.S. the day after tomorrow. I've already booked the ticket—6:30 a.m. flight. I just came by today to let you know."
"So soon? You've only been back less than twenty days. Is school starting already?" Aunt Charlotte took the coat from Sophie's hands and hung it on the rack.
"School starts next week, so yes, I need to go back. Uncle—"
Beep—beep—
The landline rang. Aunt Charlotte hurried into the living room to answer it. Sophie went to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of orange juice.
"Sophie, it's for you—a girl," Aunt Charlotte called, holding the receiver. "Come quick!"
"Oh, okay!" Sophie set down her glass and ran over.
"Hurry!" Charlotte handed her the phone with a smile, urging her on.
Sophie hadn't been back to London in four years. Because she had been away for so long, Aunt Charlotte was actually much nicer to her now. She no longer shouted at her or treated her like a burden.
"Hello? This is Sophie."
