"This isn't right," she muttered, once alone. Caitlin did not know what she meant or felt. Something beyond her control and imagination was happening and she needed a way to control it. Even a hot shower did not warm her enough to shake the bad feeling. "I need to stay, but Mrs. C is depending on me to help at the baked goods booth, with all the monies going to a fund for a needy family. I hate to miss the festival." She closed her eyes for a second and envisioned her house. Nothing would ever destroy that, no matter how hard they tried. She took another look at her house, double-checked all windows and doors, and then stepped outside into the warm fall afternoon. The sun shone high in the sky and the autumnal colors of the leaves added a breath of color to the scene. It was a beautiful day, but Caitlin had a difficult time seeing it and believing in it.
She stared at her house for the longest time, but she saw nothing. Maybe she was expecting her grandfather to come barreling out the front door ready for the town festival. She knew that was not going to happen, but she could not shake the feeling that something was amiss and it had to do with the meeting on Monday. How she was going to tell Garrett about it? "I really don't know what to do anymore. Why does it have to be this way?"
Once in town, Caitlin meandered down the busy streets. Children raced around laughing and yelling. Adults admired the window displays, crafts, and homemade treats. A mixture of aromas tempted Caitlin's taste buds and her growling stomach. She splurged on a funnel cake and hot coffee.
On the park bench in the main square, Caitlin watched and looked. Red, white, and blue streamers draped every post and pillar. American flags hung from every store and were planted in the grass.
"Good afternoon, dear."
"Hi, Mrs. Carrington," she said with enthusiasm. She loved this woman with all of her heart. Even though her life seemed to be turning upside down and inside out, Caitlin could always count on Mrs. C to be steadfast and true. She eyed the woman from head to toe, wondering about the calico dress, shawl, and bonnet. "I know how much you love the festival, but don't you think you went a little overboard?"
"Ha ha, Caitlin dear. I'm part of the parade. Imagine them using me on the main float. Of course I do look as if I'm the one who started this town."