When Grace’s room is ready,
Dr. Bingo shakes Grace’s hand.
“Good night, neighbor,” he says,
then heads across the hall
to his apartment.
Mrs. Coleman leaves next.
She tells Grace to let her know
if she needs anything.
The rest of us wish Grace
sweet dreams in her new home.
We start down the stairs.
Grace follows.
“That’s your room, Grace,” I tell her.
“Your bed. All nice and cozy and safe.”
Grace nods. “I know. I just want to see
the moon. The stars. Hey—I think I smell
honeysuckle. Must be some on a fence
nearby.”
“But that’s your room,” I say.
Grace puts her arm around my shoulder.
“I know, girlie. I’ll go up in a few minutes.”
Ruby Frances leads Grace back up the stairs.
She pipes: “Have I got a moon for you!”
She tugs Grace over to the window in
her room. She raises the shade,
points dramatically. “Here’s your moon!”
Grace touches the windowpane,
says shyly, “I do like to smell the honeysuckle.”
Ruby Frances throws open the window,
thrusts her head out, breathes dramatically.
“Mmm—honeysuckle!
Right here
in your
very own
room.”
