Read Online Dear Sylvia by Alan Cumyn - Free Book Online

Sylvester dropped his rock on Leonard’s head.
    At least Sylvester was smart enough to take what he loved from the wreck of the old house.
    Then Sadie got up and she said I know what you are going to do.
    Andy said — nothing! Go to sleep!
    But Sadie said you can’t go unless I make Rex quiet.
    Andy said — we aren’t going anywhere!
    But Sadie said I won’t make Rex quiet unless you let me come too.
    The hole house was quiet then again and even Eleanor was asleep. Sadie was in her nightie but had her boots on.
    I want to go in the wrecked house too — she said.
    So we snuck out the back with Rex and Sylvester and Sadie keeping them quiet. It was not warm but not a cold night either just black and full of stars and a big moon.
    It was a bit funny walking in our bathrobes and pajamas. I had my running shoes but no sox and Leonard had his boots and Andy had the shoes from Mom’s hotel and lots of sox.
    As soon as we got on the highway we knew we were in trouble because the first car that went by didn’t go by but stopped. Then a man got out and said — what are you kids doing out in your pajamas?
    He had a dark hat like a bad guy in the movies and his hands were even bigger than Dad’s.
    Nothing — Andy said. We were at a friend’s house getting ready for Halloween.
    It just slipped out like he knew exactly what to say.
    Halloween! — the man said. It’s not for ages yet.
    We’re just practicing — Sadie said.
    Get in the car and I’ll drive you home — the man said.
    Andy said — no it’s all right we’re not far it’s just over there! And he pointed nowhere.
    The man said — get in the car!
    And he put his hands on his hips like there was a gun in his pocket. Then Andy yelled RUN! and the dogs started barking.
    Andy ran back into the ditch and through the water and up the other side and we all followed after him but in different directions the way mice do when you first turn on the light. I went down the highway and then into the ditch and Leonard went the other way and the Man grabbed Sadie’s hand but she bit him and just kept running.
    The dogs went around and around all of us.
    The man yelled — hey! And waved his big hands around. He said — you kids! And — I’m going to tell your parents! And — you come out here right now!
    Which we didn’t.
    We just kept going and met up in the woods under an old silver tree.
    Leonard said — we have to get home now! He’s going to tell our parents!
    But Andy said — he doesn’t even know who our parents are!
    We’re almost there — Sadie said.
    So we kept going.
    The house was sad. Someone had cut up the old oak tree so it was mostly a big pile of sawdust and leaves. The branches were gone but the roots still stood straight up.
    Leonard said — we should go home!
    Andy said — you stay out here and keep watch and if that man comes bite his other hand!
    So then Leonard didn’t want to stay outside for anything. He said he’d get the jewelry.
    Sadie held my hand when we went toward the house. I didn’t tell her to she just did it and then when we found the door was locked and had to go through the window I just helped her and when we were in the house I left her hand where it was. Holding mine I mean. I know the old house better and if she fell we’d have to carry her home.
    That’s all.
    Andy went in the kitchen to find the flashlight.
    Sadie and I went in the office to get The Invisible Enshurince Man. It was fat as ever just sitting on the desk.
    Andy had the flashlight. When he zipped it around you couldn’t see anything just how bright it was. And all the shadows turned black as night.
    Andy said — Leonard! Did you get the jewelry?
    Leonard said — I’m having a hard time going up the stairs!
    So Andy shone his light all along the hole where there was still part of