"You sure that she cannot visit? I know that you do not want to risk it. I would not send my daughter to a place where she is allergic. But we have not seen her since..."

"You two saw her last month."

"That is still a while. We love our niece and nephew."

"I know. You shower them with gifts whenever you see them."

I walked in wearing my pajamas. It was morning, and I was so hungry that I could eat a horse. A talkative belly is the only thing that gets me out of bed. I was relieved that it was the weekend. So was all of next week. It was spring break. I stretched before trudging to the kitchen table and sitting in my spot. I looked out the window. I like spring mainly because I am not allergic, however, I prefer winter, even if I am allergic. If only winter could last a little longer.

There is a place in Forlot where winter never ends. The mansion at the top of the snowy mountains. Aunt Alba and Uncle Robert have owned it ever since that Robert and Dad's parents died. They are brothers. My dad is a year older than Robert. But Uncle Robert is a hoot. He knows how to cheer up his niece and nephew.

My grandparents on Dad's side passed when I was just a baby, so it is hard to grieve for them. But I wish that I met them. They raised wonderful children. They would have adored me and Louis. I like thinking that they are watching over us.

Mom was drumming her fingers on the counter and on the phone. I asked who she was talking to. She covered the phone and said that Aunt Alba called. Alba wanted to know if I was coming up this year. I turned my body to Mom with wide eyes. I forgot about the annual visit. Aunt Alba and Uncle Robert invite me and Louis to the mansion every spring. I can never go, so Louis tells me what I missed. Since that my family moved to Forlot, I have dreamed of going. I have always wanted to be in a mansion. But I cannot go unless that it becomes warm. I want to spend time with the rest of my family.

"Is Lucia awake?" Aunt Alba asked. "I want to talk with her. See what she thinks."

"Yeah," I agreed. "Let me talk with her."

I have great hearing, so I was able to hear her over said phone.

Mom gazed at me before saying, "You know how Lucia feels about seeing you guys - and snow. She would love it there. She wants to visit so badly that she is...already starting to pack."

I had left and returned with a large suitcase. I laid it on the filthy floor next to the table and opened it. I tapped my chin, deciding what to bring. I was so excited that I could not think straight. I was praying that my parents would let me visit. I am responsible. I can deal with my allergy. There is a warm house that I will stay in. Uncle Robert and Aunt Alba will take good care of me. This is only for one week. Nothing bad will happen.

More like crazy happened.

"Can you please hold for a minute, Alba?" Mom asked.

"I can hold all day. I have nothing else better to do."

"Are you being sarcastic?"

"No. I am just waiting for the kids. I am ready for their arrival."

"You sound like a witch who wants to devour my kids."

"Oh, I will devour them...with love and affection!"

Sure wish that she and Uncle Robert lived closer. Then we could see them more often.

Mom placed the phone on the counter as she rolled her eyes and smiled. Her smile vanished when she glanced back at me. "Lucia. Stand that suitcase up. Then soak a paper towel and wipe the back."

I did as instructed and soon finished. "There."

"Good. Now roll it back in the closet."

"But I need it for my stuff. I am taking it with me."

"You are not going to your aunt and uncle's mansion. I do not want you to be miserable. And I certainly do not want you to be on the news as a missing person."

"I am careful, Mom. I have never gotten lost in my life. And I know to never take goodies from the strangers - unless that it is Halloween."

"Honey. There is still the matter of your allergy."

"I have proven that I can take care of it. I proved it this winter. I come back in after half an hour. Uncle Robert and Aunt Alba and my cousins know about it."

Mom put her hand on her stomach. "I am not sure. My gut is telling me that you ought to stay. I must listen to it. Always listen to your gut, Lucia."

"I am. It wants me to go and make new friends."

She raised an eyebrow. "You sure that is not your heart talking? I know how much you want to join Louis."

"Speaking of Louis, how come you are alright with him going?"

"He is not the one who is allergic to the cold."

"But he is younger. And autistic. A worst chance of him to go missing. All the more reason that I should come."

"You are not going. That is final."

I stormed out with the case and upstairs to my room. I was so mad that I could have made a hole in the wall. I wanted to yell at my parents. I wanted to tell them that they were bad parents. I wanted to complain until they felt my pain. But I would not do any of it. I could never blame them for something that is out of their control. I must live with my allergy.

Suck it up.