The day that Runa Walker came home from the hospital, it was very cold. The festival had long since ended. She was looking out her mom's car window as they dove. A thought occurred to her that she missed the big homecoming parade. She used to love that time of year. She helped work on floats and Mendalie was even in the homecoming court their senior year.

Mendalie wasn't really part of the 'in' crowd except for about 4 months, Danny Treager, the quarterback, was madly in love with her. Until Maggie 'biggins' Higgins transferred in. She wasn't even that pretty of a redhead but she was well endowed. Danny really didn't have a chance. He was a guy after all. Mendalie certainly didn't let him get away easy. His sporty blue mustang looked good, especially after she gave it a Pink stripe. Runa actually laughed out loud, remembering that.

"What are you laughing about?" her mom asked her.

"Oh nothing," Runa said, "Just thinking about old times.

"Yeah, me too," she told her. "I was just thinking about how we would take you to that Dairyette for Ice cream on Sundays after church. You remember that?"

Runa shook her head. "What Dairyette?"

"The one they just tore down a few years ago" Molly said. "Well actually they tore it down when you were in junior high school. Wow. I can't believe it's been that long."

"Who took me, you and Grams?"

"No Runa. It was your dad and I."

"Oh."

"You ever do that anymore?" Molly asked.

"Get ice cream?" Runa asked.

"No, go to church."

"Oh," Runa said, "No, not really."

"What do you mean, not really?" Molly asked her.

"Well, I was invited but Brian didn't want to, when I asked him."

Molly pulled the car into the parking lot behind Runa's apartment. Runa looked at the door and the alley. It seemed strange to be here. She had a weird feeling like she wanted to run but at the same time like something was calling her.

"Now Runa," Molly said, voice wavering, "You know you can't see him."

Runa put her head down. "I know, mom. I know what he's like. But I still miss him."

"I know," she told her. "But remember what Doctor Grey said."

"Yeah; I just wonder how he's doing."

"Well stop wondering," Molly told her. "He isn't to be anywhere near you. That's why we got the restraining order."

"I know."

"And if you would've pressed charges too..."

"Mom! It's over okay!"

"Okay. Okay," she said. "Come on."

They got out of the car and Molly stopped. "Runa, don't forget your medicine."

Runa reached into the car and got a bag from the pharmacy. "I don't know why I need this."

"Doctor Grey said it will help you sleep. You need that," she said.

"I want to see my cat!" Runa said, running to the door.

The doorknob felt strange in her hand as she unlocked the door and opened it. The moment it came open, she looked inside at the stoop and stopped short.

"What's wrong Runa? Go in," Molly instructed.

"Mom? They took the block off the door."

"Yeah; your landlord wasn't happy about you nailing that there."

"But I don't like that door," Runa said.

"I know honey," Molly said, reaching into her coat pocket. "That's why he gave me this." She pulled out what looked like an old skeleton key. "It's locked up tight now." She handed the key to Runa. But Runa wouldn't take it.

"I don't want that," she said and took off up the stairs.

"Houdini!" Runa yelled. "Houdini! Here kitty!"

When she got to the top she barely noticed the new coffee table or the restored walls and flooring. She tossed her bags on the couch and went to the bedroom. She looked under her bed and two glowing eyes met hers.

"There you are!" she said.

The cat hissed at her.

"Houdini! It's me!"

She reached in and grabbed her. She scooped the cat up in her arms like a baby and began petting her. It wasn't long before the cat was purring happily. She walked into the kitchen, carrying the little black fur-ball and looked at her dishes. Something wasn't right.

Runa opened the cupboard. "Mom, this isn't the right cat food."

"Well I'm sorry Runa," Molly told her. "It's not like there were any instructions for me to go by."

"It's okay," Runa said, putting the cat down. "Okay mom. I can handle it from here."

Molly shook her head. "Can you now?"

"Yep, I'm fine."

"You need to take your medicine like you're supposed to."

"I will," Runa said.

"And tomorrow you need to go see your boss. She said you still have your job. She's very nice."

"Yes. I'm going to," Runa said. "I love you. Thank you mom." She gave her a big hug.

"Call me if you need anything."

"Okay.

"And I'd like to take you with me Sunday," Molly said.

"Where?"

"Church."

"Oh mom."

"Don't 'Oh mom!' me" Molly said. "You can go once, at least."

"Fine," Runa said, just to appease her.

Molly walked down the steps. "And call Doctor Grey's office to set up your appointment."

"Yes mom," she said.

Molly stopped at the stoop and looked up at her. "I love you."

"Love you too."

Molly opened the door and left.

Runa took a deep breath after the door closed.She sat down on her couch. She looked around the apartment and began to cry.She cried softly at first and then buried her face in a pillow, crying loudly.Houdini jumped up on the back of the couch and stared at her. The cat triedtouching her with a paw and then sat back up straight. Runa continued to cry.