The Paddy Stories: Book One

By John Justice

Blind Paddy Flynn, orphaned at age eight, travels by train from Philadelphia to California in 1947 to live with his childless aunt and uncle, Doreen and Bob Chandler. Part One tells of his mother's death, his time in a children's home, the good friends he makes there, and then his long and eventful journey to California.
In Part Two, by a wonderful twist of fate, Paddy and his closest friend from Philadelphia, Lucy Candelaria, are reunited in California. Their unusual and loving relationship and their special form of communication make up a major part of the story.
The large and well-drawn cast of characters includes the residents and staff of the children's home, the friendly family Paddy stays overnight with in Chicago, the train staff, the several adults who accompany him on different legs of his journey, his kind and welcoming relatives and their wonderful dog, and various neighbors there in California. It's clear that one neighbor family leads a very different life from the peaceful and prosperous one enjoyed by the Chandlers.
With his loving nature, courage, and can-do spirit, Paddy brings joy and inspiration to many others and even stands up to two memorable bullies, one at the children's home and one in California. But how will he adjust to life at a school for the blind? Book One of The Paddy Stories ends with Paddy once again having to face an uncertain future.
To be continued in Book Two.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Justice
• Release date: Jun 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311454546

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Philadelphia, 1947. The war was over and young men were returning to their families. Many came home, but not all. The blind boy in this story, Paddy Flynn, has been living alone with his mother since Patrick Sr. went off to war in 1943. Maura’s husband, Paddy’s father, never returned. Somehow, they’ve managed to survive on Borbeck Street, and that is where our story begins.

PART ONE

THE JOURNEY

CHAPTER ONE

When Paddy woke up that morning, it was quiet, too quiet in the house. He couldn’t hear his mother breathing. He climbed out of bed and moved across the room to where his mother, Maura, slept. Maura had known that she was dying, so she had moved Paddy into her room rather than letting him sleep alone.

At first, Paddy thought his mother was up already, but then he found her hand on top of the quilt. Her skin was cold. He called to her softly, but she didn’t answer him or move at all. Paddy leaned closer to try and catch the sound of her breathing, but he heard nothing.

The worry began very small, and for Paddy, an eight–year–old, the conclusions didn’t come immediately.

What am I going to do? he wondered.

Then he remembered the next door neighbor, Mrs. Loftus. Paddy often walked along the sidewalk in their block. He knew every crack and crevice and often talked to the neighbors. His blindness never stopped him from exploring. He knew something was wrong, and the only way to confirm that was to get dressed. As time had passed and Maura had grown weaker, he had had to do more and more for himself. Getting dressed was routine for him now.

Soon Paddy finished and slipped on his loafers. He hadn’t yet learned to tie shoes. He opened the front door to listen. He heard the traffic outside. Far away, the City Hall clock struck 11:00.

She’s never slept that late before, he thought.

Moving confidently, Paddy went down the steps to the sidewalk and then turned right. He felt for the wall separating the two homes and then walked up the same number of stone stairs to Mrs. Loftus’s front door. She had a brass knocker mounted on the wooden panels. Paddy raised the ring and let it fall.

The sharp tap echoed through the hallway, and soon Mrs. Loftus opened the door and greeted the boy warmly. Hello, Paddy. Does your mother need something? Carolyn had watched her friend fade and knew there would be a time when this brave little boy would be alone.

Mrs. Loftus, I’m worried. My mother hasn’t moved since I got up this morning, and I can’t hear her breathing. Will you please come and see if she’s okay?

Was that day finally here? Carolyn had a feeling that it was.

Sure thing, Paddy. Lead on. She followed the boy back to his house.

She thought quickly. I can’t let him back in there again! Not if she’s gone.

She led him to a chair in the living room. Now, you sit here, so you don’t wake your mother up, and I’ll peek in to see if she’s all right.

A moment later, Paddy heard a little cry that sounded like one of the pigeons near the church. Carolyn couldn’t help the small cry of despair that escaped her. Maura’s battle was over.

In a moment, Mrs. Loftus was back with Paddy and encouraging him to come next door with her. Come along now, Paddy, while I call for the doctor. You just sit in my nice, warm kitchen for a while. Your mother needs help, and I want you to be with me while I call.

Paddy trusted this lady, so he rose and let her lead him next door. Soon people started to arrive. First there was a kind man who said he was a policeman. Next came Dr. Folcroft, the one who had come so often to see his mother after she had become ill. There were others, but Paddy couldn’t remember them all.

Dr. Folcroft came in and sat down next to Paddy. He said gently, Paddy, there’s something I have to tell you, and it won’t be easy. I want you to try to be as brave as you can. You know your mother has been sick for a long time, don’t you?

The cold dread filled Paddy’s heart as he replied, Yes, but she is getting better, isn’t she?

The doctor sighed. How can I tell a little boy that his mother has left him behind? he wondered. He put his arm around Paddy. Your mother has gone to be with the angels now, Paddy. She won’t suffer any more.

The last thing Paddy remembered was starting to scream, No! No! No! Then he stopped feeling anything for a long time.

* * * * *

When Paddy came back to the world, he heard someone talking nearby.

He hasn’t said a word since he came here, Miss Hawkins. He eats and sleeps, but he doesn’t seem to know where he is, or to care.

Paddy turned toward the voice. I’m here. Where’s my mother?

Then the memories returned with a rush, and he started to cry. This time, though, the tears seemed to help him.

A lady took him in her arms. She smelled like peppermint and faint perfume. Later on, he would learn that she was Miss Hawkins, a children’s home worker. He would also be informed that he was in the Christian Home for Children on Lehigh Avenue, and that there were many other children there with him.

I have some wonderful news for you, Paddy. Do you remember your mother talking about your Aunt Doreen?

Paddy thought about that for a moment. He remembered his mother crying when she spoke of her sister. Yes, I think so. She lives in California, doesn’t she?

Yes, she does, and we have just received a letter from her. She wants you to come and stay with her. Do you want to do that?

Paddy nodded. I guess so. But how will I get there?

He looked worried, so Miss Hawkins continued her explanation. We’re going to put you on a train. It’s a very long way for such a small boy. Do you think you can be good and do what the people on the train tell you to do? She had no idea how that was going to be accomplished.

Paddy nodded. Yes, Miss Hawkins. I don’t want to be alone, and my mother has gone to the angels. Aunt Doreen is the only one I have left. May I please go to her?

Yes, of course you can, Paddy. We’ll start making preparations right away. Now, let’s see, you’ll need clothes, and shoes, and…

Paddy got so excited that he didn’t hear much more.

With that conversation, preparations began for the longest journey Paddy Flynn had ever made in his life. He had been in a state of complete shock for nearly three weeks. He didn’t see the smiles and happy gestures of the staff around him. Dr. Folcroft had visited him several times, and he couldn’t get any response from his young patient, either. Then one day, Paddy just woke up and started living again.

There would be many more wonderful achievements for this small Philadelphia boy during his journey.

CHAPTER TWO

Paddy was in a whole new world. All around him, he heard the noise of many people. From a window next to him came the happy cries of children playing somewhere. Until now, he hadn’t noticed any of his surroundings.

I hear kids, lots of kids, he thought. What is this place? Where am I, anyway?

Miss Hawkins entered the room and called to him. Hello, Paddy. I just realized that you probably don’t know where you are—or anything else, right now. You’re in the Christian Home for Children. We brought you here after your mother passed on. Until now, you’ve been left pretty much alone, because you were ill. As soon as Dr. Folcroft examines you, we can bring you out to meet the other children. There are almost a hundred of them here. Can you hear them playing in the yard?

Yes, I can, Miss Hawkins. But when will I be leaving for California?

Well, some arrangements still have to be made. We’ll need to have your Aunt Doreen sign some papers, and so on. From that time on, she will be taking care of you. You will live with her and her husband in Oakland, California. Your aunt is as anxious to see you as we are to get you there, but this will take some planning. Do you understand, Paddy?

Yes, Miss Hawkins. How long will that take?

I’m not sure, but it will be a few weeks before everything is completed. It’s October, now, and I’m sure you’ll be there before Thanksgiving. In the meantime, you’ll stay here at the home. We’ll make sure that you have everything you need. The people here are very nice, Paddy. They’ll take good care of you until it’s time to go. Do you understand what I’ve been telling you so far?

Yes, Miss Hawkins. But I don’t know where to go. Can you help me? Paddy looked worried. He didn’t know anything about this place. How was he going to get around? Would someone teach him where to go?

Miss Hawkins noticed the boy’s expression and laughed softly. You’ll be fine, Paddy. I know you feel lost, but soon you’ll be running around just like all the other children. One of the housemothers will be here soon to lead you outside. Then you can meet the others who are staying here. I’m going back to my office, now. I’ve got a lot of arranging to do for one lost little boy. I’ll be back to see you from time to time, and soon, before you know it, you’ll be on your way to California. I’ll talk to you later today.

Rachel Hawkins returned to her office and sat down. She was worried, too. There has to be a way to get this boy out to California, she thought. But that’s thousands of miles from here. I can’t order up a miracle, so I’m going to have to start from the beginning. He’ll be alone unless I can make arrangements to have someone watch over him.

In a moment, Paddy heard someone moving into the room. Then a voice he knew well called a greeting. Paddy, my boy, I see you’ve finally come back to us! It was Dr. Folcroft. We were worried about you. Do you know that you’ve been unable to talk or respond for quite a while?

No, Doctor Folcroft. I don’t remember much after you told me that Mom had gone to the angels. Where is my mother now?

We’ve laid her to rest, Paddy. Her troubles are over, now, but it looks like you’re in for a lot of change.

The doctor gave Paddy a complete examination, looking into his eyes and ears and checking his reflexes with a little rubber hammer. Paddy could never understand why doctors did that. Doctors are strange, he thought. They go around shining lights into your eyes and ears, looking down your throat, and banging you on the knee.

After the examination was completed, Dr. Folcroft said, You’ll do quite nicely, young man. In spite of everything, you’re as fit as a fiddle. I think you can join the world again. I may not be seeing you for a while, Paddy, but I’ll visit you one more time before your trip. You’re a good boy. Just remember: You won’t be here at the home for very long. Take care, Paddy.

In no time, the doctor was gone. For a minute or two, the child was alone again. Then he heard small feet stepping rapidly, and in a moment, a lady said, Hello. You must be Paddy. I’m Mrs. Wolfe, one of the housemothers. If you’re ready, I’ll take you out into the yard.

Her voice sounded happy and welcoming to him. She handed him a jacket, and he slipped it on. Mrs. Wolfe led him down a wide corridor and out a set of doors. Now he was in a large area that was filled with yelling, moving kids. He had never heard so many children in one place before.

Here, Paddy, sit down on this bench for a minute. I’ll bring some of the children over to meet you. Would you like that?

Paddy wasn’t sure about that, but he said, Okay.

In a minute, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and a tiny voice said, Hi, Paddy. My name is Lucy.

Paddy hadn’t been around many children in his young life. But to him, this girl sounded small. In a minute, Paddy was surrounded by quite a few children. They started whispering together, and there was that word again, Blind! Paddy felt a little sick inside.

Hi, I’m Pete, said an older boy. What’s his name?

Children, this is Paddy Flynn. He has come to live with us for a time. As you can see, Paddy is blind. He may need your help once in a while. He doesn’t know his way around, yet, and I’m going to ask some of you to show him things. That was Mrs. Wolfe speaking. She had managed to bring most of the children around Paddy where he sat on the sun–warmed bench. She spoke again. Paddy’s mother has passed away, and he doesn’t have anyone left here to take care of him. Paddy is eight years old and has been very ill for a while. He will be with us until he moves to California to be with his aunt and uncle. Will you all welcome him?

The children came and greeted Paddy one by one.

You don’t have a mother, said Harold. You’re just like the rest of us.

Yeah, but he’s not going to have to stay here like the rest of us, growled Pete. I don’t have an aunt anywhere. Nobody wants me at all! He sounded angry and resentful.

Paddy was confused. He didn’t understand Pete’s resentment.

Hello, Paddy. I am Nagata, said someone with a strange accent. My family is from Japan. It’s good to meet you, Paddy. I too am eight years of age.

Mrs. Wolfe addressed the children. Paddy will be moving into the dorm with the rest of you boys. He doesn’t have any belongings, yet. His things will be coming along later. Now, listen to me, all of you. Paddy may be blind, but he’s just as important as the rest of you. Don’t any of you think for a moment that you can pick on him or bully him because he can’t see you. I know that some of you are a bit rough on new children.

Mrs. Wolfe was looking right at Pete. Her face had a stern expression, and Pete was scowling.

Oh, we’re important, all right! he said. Every one of us brings a little more money to this place. That’s all we’re worth.

Knock it off, Pete, said Harold. You’re always complaining about everything.

Pete walked away and leaned against the wall in a faraway corner.

Mrs. Wolfe looked worried, but she shrugged her shoulders. Nagata, can I ask you to help Paddy for today? You can go and play, if you would like, but when it’s time for any activity, like a meal or evening prayers, please make sure that you bring Paddy along with you.

It would be an honor, said Nagata.

Paddy smiled a bit. Nagata sure had a funny way of talking.

I’ll be seeing you later, Paddy, said Mrs. Wolfe.

Paddy heard her go through the doors into the home building. Then someone sat down beside him. Hi, Paddy. It’s Lucy. I’d like to talk to you for a while.

Paddy relaxed a bit. Good. I’m a little frightened right now.

Paddy and Lucy talked for a time. Paddy told her about his mother and what had happened. Lucy told him that her mother had gone into the hospital to have a baby, but she had never come home. Lucy’s dad couldn’t deal with the pain and just left her at home alone one day. I hope he comes back for me someday.

Paddy nodded. Me, too. My dad went away to the war when I was little, and he didn’t come home, either.

Lucy touched his arm. Would you like to walk around a little? I can show you our yard. We have swings, a slide, and a sandbox. There are some toys there, too. Stand up, Paddy, and take my hand.

Paddy stood. He felt Lucy’s hand slide into his own. At first, he was hesitant to move away from the bench with her, but Lucy assured him that there was nothing in the way. They walked along the wall past the children, and he heard the squeaking swings as they passed them.

Suddenly, Lucy stopped. Pete! What are you doing?

Paddy heard Pete’s voice. He sounded angry. I don’t like you, Paddy. You’re blind, and I don’t like blind!

The next moment, something hit Paddy in the face. He found himself on the ground, and something was pouring out of his nose.

Lucy screamed, and there was a scuffle. Someone crashed against the wall and fell next to Paddy.

You will not do that, said Nagata quietly. I am small, but I will knock you down as much as I need to!

Then, from the person next to Paddy, came Pete’s voice. How did you do that, you little Jap creep?

All right, that’s enough! A man came striding up to where Paddy was lying. Pete! You are confined to the Isolation Room as of right now!

Two strong hands picked Paddy up off the grass. The man spoke softly to the frightened boy. Oh, brother, look at that nose. He really hit you hard.

Lucy spoke up. Paddy couldn’t see what was coming. Pete just ran up and knocked him down!

Paddy, I’m Mr. Warner, one of the housefathers. Pete won’t bother you again. This I promise you. Now let’s get you to the nurse’s station and take care of that nose. Oh, my, it looks like you’ve ruined your shirt, as well, but I think we can fix that, too.

The nurse made Paddy lie down and gently pushed cotton into his nose to stop the bleeding. Paddy felt a little dizzy at first, but the feeling left him quickly. An hour or so later, the nurse removed the wadding, and the bleeding had stopped. She spoke to Paddy as she wiped his face. It’s going to be a little sore for a day or two, but I think you’ll be okay.

Paddy didn’t hear Pete’s voice for several days. By that time, he had learned quite a bit about his surroundings. He and Nagata had become friends, and Lucy spent a lot of her time talking to him. Harold asked a million questions, but Paddy usually had the answers. For several hours a day, the children would attend school. The lessons were held right in the home’s building. A teacher came to the classroom from the grammar school just outside the grounds. Although Paddy sat in the classroom with the others, there were no books or other materials that he could use. The teachers would occasionally read stories in class; that was Paddy’s favorite part.

Nagata brought Paddy a strange little device called an abacus. This is what I use to count. Here are beads for one digit and others for five. I will teach you how to use it. Do you wish this?

Paddy smiled. Oh, yes, please. I don’t know how to count anywhere but in my head.

Nagata was quiet most of the time, but he was always somewhere nearby. One day, Paddy asked Lucy what had happened that first day. Nagata did something to Pete, and he fell down. I’m not sure what happened. Nagata is very fast. One minute Pete was standing over you, about to kick you. The next minute, he was on the ground with the strangest look of surprise on his face. Maybe you should ask Nagata.

Paddy turned around. Nagata, are you here?

Yes, Paddy, I am with you.

How did you make Pete fall down?

Oh, I use a Japanese technique called judo. In my home country, big boys or men do not matter. If they are big, they have a longer distance to fall. He chuckled. Pete uses his hands. I use my brain and body. He had no chance.

Paddy was amazed. Can I learn that?

Yes, Paddy. I will teach you. In my country, we learn from birth, but you are strong for small boy. I will try to show you some things so that you can protect yourself from people like Pete.

The weeks passed. When he wasn’t in class or at meals in the noisy dining room, Paddy was learning judo with his willing and happy teacher.

There was a room in the basement of the school that was set up for exercise. It had canvas mats on the floor and climbing ropes attached to the ceiling. There were many pieces of equipment, including something that looked like an animal standing, but it had handles on the top. Nagata explained, That is exercise horse. You use the handles to do tumbles.

Paddy learned how to fall without being hurt. He learned to roll quickly and get back onto his feet. He learned to grasp Nagata in certain ways and then use his body’s strength to throw Nagata off balance and onto the mat. Nagata was a patient teacher. Soon he began to alter the judo techniques to compensate for Paddy’s blindness. Paddy loved every minute of it.

He and Nagata traded stories about their childhoods in Japan and the United States. Although Paddy asked him what had happened to his parents, Nagata would never give him a complete answer.

One day when they were practicing their judo, Paddy heard a voice that filled him with dread. It was Pete. This time, though, Paddy stood still, quietly listening with all his might. He was trying to locate Pete.

Pete looked surprised at the boy’s reaction. Oh, no! I’m not going to hit you again. In fact, I’m here to apologize to you. It’s not your fault that you’re blind. I can’t blame you for my problems, either. I’m sorry I hit you, Paddy. I’ve been watching you from a distance. You’re blind, but you still try to do as much as you can. Why should I be complaining? I can see. There’s nothing wrong with me except my attitude. Will you accept my apologies?

Paddy relaxed and smiled. Sure I will, Pete. I never understood what made you so mad, anyway.

Pete shrugged. It’s a long story. What are you guys doing?

Nagata said, We are learning the technique I used to knock you down. I too am watching you, Pete. I cannot allow you to hurt my friend again.

Pete nodded. You have my word on that. I’d rather be out here with the other kids than confined in that Isolation Room. Both his expression and his tone of voice told the two younger boys that he meant what he was saying.

During Paddy’s weeks at the children’s home, Miss Hawkins had been busy with preparations. She would have made a creditable general. She marshaled her forces and wrote letters to the railroads that would be involved in Paddy’s journey. She placed an advertisement in the paper asking to hear from anyone who might be traveling west at the beginning of November. She sent letters and legal documents to Doreen Chandler, Paddy’s aunt. By the time October was drawing to a close, Paddy was officially Doreen’s adopted son.

Miss Hawkins took Paddy out to be fitted for clothes and shoes. She received donations from several families who had known Paddy and Maura, his mother. Miss Hawkins arranged for Paddy to receive his father’s military pay and veteran’s benefits. Their little row home was sold, eventually, but that was long after Paddy had left for California. Miss Hawkins went to the house and collected the few things that Paddy had left there. All of Maura’s things were donated to the Salvation Army. When she told the local major about Paddy’s long trip, he suggested that he send a letter to other Salvation Army groups in the cities along the way. One by one, the pieces fell into place.

One day, Miss Hawkins had a visitor. Standing in her office was a Saint Joseph’s nun. She identified herself as Sister Margaret Mary. I have been transferred to Chicago, she said. How would it be if I took care of Paddy for that part of the journey?

Rachel smiled with relief. That would be wonderful, Sister! The railroad companies don’t have any provision for helping travelers with physical handicaps. I’ve received letters from several of the trainmen who work that line, and I’m sure Paddy will get some assistance, but your presence for part of the journey will set my mind at rest.

And so, bit by bit, Paddy’s long journey was arranged. What’s more, Miss Hawkins had done her best to set up a list of people who would help Paddy on his 2,000–mile train ride.

Paddy’s journey would begin on Monday, November 3, 1947.

CHAPTER THREE

The bell jangled, and Paddy was instantly awake. His first thought was the bathroom. He half stumbled down the hall with some of the other boys.

Soon, the second floor was lively with the sound of young voices calling to one another. One more day had started at the Christian Home for Children. The boys trooped into the showers, and the steam began to drift down the hall like smoke from a distant fire. Paddy toweled off and brushed his teeth at the long row of sinks. He dumped his washcloth and wet bath towel into the big canvas laundry hopper. Today was Friday. Everyone got clean linen before the weekend.

Mr. Warner came strolling in and called to the boys still in the shower room. All right, you monkeys, I want those beds stripped and changed before breakfast. Harold, this is no time to be examining the plumbing. Pete, put on your robe. Suppose one of the housemothers came down here? Hello, Paddy. How are things going?

Okay, Mr. Warner, called Paddy as he charged down the hall, back into the dormitory.

Sheets and pillowcases went flying as the boys stripped their single beds and piled the linen in the hopper. Mr. Warner dodged flying boys as he came into the room. Paddy, after breakfast, Miss Hawkins would like to see you in the office.

Paddy turned to the housefather and smiled. Sure thing. He put the finishing touches on his bed, dressed quickly, and bounded down the stairs with his friends.

Down along the main hallway, Paddy could hear the girls rumbling down the stairs from their separate quarters. Everyone had assigned seats in the dining room, but they were changed often. Today, Paddy would be sitting with Susie Clark, Harold, Lucy, and Nagata.

Somehow, wherever Paddy went, Nagata managed to be with him. One of the cooks came in then and started teasing Paddy. Look at you, boy. You can’t be satisfied with one girl. Oh, no! You have to have two! It was Frankie, a friendly Irish kitchen worker.

Paddy grinned. Yep, that’s right. I like company.

Frankie chuckled and unloaded his huge tray. There were bowls of oatmeal and stacks of toast.

Lucy bent to her friend. Paddy, would you like me to butter your toast for you?

Oh, no. But thanks, Lucy. I’d better keep doing it before I forget how.

Lucy smiled. Every time she looked at Paddy, her face lit up like the sun. Paddy didn’t see her, of course, but others did.

Pete looked over from the next table and waved hello. Hey, Paddy, do you want to practice some jump rope with me later?

Paddy smiled. Sure!

Once he had learned how, Paddy could swing a rope with the best of them. He wasn’t bad at jumping when he used the rope himself, but somehow he would miss it when two other kids were twirling the handles. Pete was good, very good. Paddy and Nagata would swing that thing as fast as they could, but Pete would never miss a step.

Announcements, came a loud voice.

Everyone quieted immediately.

Okay, now, children, I want you to listen up! It was Penny, one of the housemothers. Lucy, you have a surprise coming. That picture you presented in the contest is going to be published in the paper. Isn’t that great?

Little Lucy was half happy and half embarrassed. She didn’t like attention very much, but once in a while, her talent would just pop out.

Penny turned to Pete. Pete, your request to go to the baseball game has been approved. You and three other boys will be going tomorrow night with Mr. Warner.

Yippee! crowed Pete. He had changed so much since Paddy had first met him. Now Pete was a bit of a clown, but he had really good ideas.

Penny spoke to Harold. Harold, I have something for you. You’re always fooling around with radios and things. Mr. Wolfe, our shop teacher, is going to work with you on a special project. Look at this.

What is it? asked Paddy.

Lucy was beside him in a second. Now, let’s see, she said. It’s a box. It says Heathkit on the outside. Harold, turn it a little so I can see.

Harold jumped up and brought the box over to them. Paddy, it’s a kit for building a radio set! I think this is great!

Mr. Wolfe has made several of these himself, Penny said to Harold. "This time, you’re going to build one."

Harold was speechless. For him, that was really something. He held the box as carefully as he would a baby. Can I open it now? he asked.

No, Harold, I think you should wait till later this morning. Mr. Wolfe is going to give you a work space of your own. You’ll be able to open it then.

Harold grinned. Oh, that’s great!

Susie, you have a visitor, said Penny. Someone would like to meet you today. If all goes well, you may have a new foster parent.

Susie started to cry. The tears rolled down her face as though they would never stop.

Susie, why are you crying? asked Pete.

I’m so happy! I was hoping so much that the people would like my letters! Now they’re here, and I’m going to meet them!

It was Friday, October 31st. Paddy remembered. Hey, I’m going to leave on my trip in about three days. I’m not sure if I’m gladder than before or more scared.

Penny spoke to him, then. Paddy, do you know that Miss Hawkins wants to see you?

He nodded. Yes, Penny. Mr. Warner told me.

Penny addressed the rest of the room. Okay, kids, that’s all for now.

As if someone had turned a switch, the place erupted in noise. In a minute, Lucy was standing close to Paddy. "Can