Chapter 12: The Notebook

The string on the shoebox was tied in a double knot that had been retied many times.

I pulled it open.

Inside was a spiral notebook with a cartoon horse on the cover, the corners soft from handling.

I opened it to the first page and found a child's pencil printing.

It said: THIS IS DINAH'S AND NOBODY ELSE'S.

"Read the last page," my sister said.

She had pulled her knees up on the kitchen chair and wrapped both arms around them.

I turned to the end.

The pencil was pressed so hard it had gone through the paper in places.

Today we picked parents. Cora picked the pearl lady. I did not.

I was sick in the bathroom before breakfast because I heard Mr. Ellingham in the hall outside.

He was on the phone. I was in the stall. He did not know.

He said the brakes did what they were told.

He said he only needs ONE of the girls alive and signing the paper when she is old.

He said the other one can go to whoever wants her.

He said take the one who is easy.

I can not carry two. I have tried to think how. I am nine.

If we both go with the poor people he will come and find us.

If one goes to him he is happy and will not look.

I do not know what he does to the other one when he is not happy.

Cora is walking to him. I can not stop her without saying why.

If I say why in front of everyone he will know I heard.

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