The Orphans in the Woods

Rohan was sitting on the couch with the Bank Bag, and Gertrude had sat down in front of the cushioned bench chest. She knew that her mother called the bench the "Hope Chest" and had kept sentimental items inside. She lifted the top and began to look inside as Rohan counted all the money they had collected so far.

"We've got $410," Rohan said.

"That's all?" Gertrude said thinking it seemed low.

"Well, not including your $35 and the C.O.D." Rohan corrected.

Gertrude paused from looking into the chest and looked at her brother confused.

"My $35?" she asked.

Rohan had taken one of the wallets from the Bank Bag that was empty and placed the $35 he had set aside for Gertrude into the wallet. Then he stood up and walked over to her and handed her the wallet.

"Yes," he said, "This is your personal stash. Our savings account. Put this wallet in your suitcase and forget about it. Like you did with your Piggy Bank."

She took the wallet and set it beside her on the floor, shrugging a bit confused but agreed.

"Do you think $410 is enough?" she asked, "That doesn't seem like much."

"Well," Rohan thought about it, "I don't think it's going to last forever, but I think it's a pretty good start. Mom's jewelry might be worth something and also Dad's watch."

"C'mon Ro, really," she pleaded with her brother feeling anxious, "How long do you think we are going to last on our own with that little bit?"

"Are you backing out?" Rohan asked severely.

"No," Gertrude replied sternly, "I just want to know what you're thinking. I'm screwed no matter what. If I go live with Aunt Velma I'm still never going to hang out with my friends Crissy and Jenny. I'm going to have to go to a new school and I'm going to miss you on top of missing Mom and Dad. If I go with you, I don't get to go to school anymore, and I'm going to be wondering how we're supposed to make it to our next birthdays on $410?"

"I know you're worried Gretch," Rohan said calmly trying to ease her mind, "But we don't have to spend the money on much. There's no bills out there. There's enough gas in car to get us there. I will hunt and fish for our food and we'll only use the money when it's absolutely necessary."

Gertrude shrugged again still worried.

"I told you I'm going with you and I'm not backing out," she said snappishly, "But if we fail, just remember I get to say 'I told you so'."

"Thanks a lot," Rohan snapped back sarcastically as he began putting the items back into the Bank Bag. Then as he recovered his pride he added, "Look at it this way Sis, at least we can say we tried."

She was satisfied with that and returned to looking inside the chest. There were some photo albums, a crocheted blanket, and some wedding and baby mementos. As she continued to look through the memorabilia, Gertrude began to cry again.

Rohan couldn't listen to it, but he didn't want to snap at her so he checked his pocket to make sure the car keys were there and he went outside to check on the Mustang. Just let her cry, he thought to himself. She's a girl. She's supposed to do the crying. I've got to be the man.

He walked through the kitchen and out the door to the car.