Short Story: Enjoy the Poodle Skirt Part One

The bedroom light flicked on, and I blinked awake. No storybook sunlight drifted in through the windows, just Aunt Julie standing in the doorway saying a cheery, “Rise and dine!” Faster than I could squeeze my eyes shut against the light, I remembered where I was and sat up quickly nearly banging my head on the top bunk. Ignoring this, I carefully rolled out of bed, sprang to my feet, and gave Aunt Julie a good morning hug.

She laughed pleasantly. “Wow, you’re wide awake!”

“It’s day one of se...