“Uh-huh. Hmm. Uh-huh!”
“What is it?” I asked. “Is Ripple going to be okay?”
“Just a minute. My granddaughter is hopping around on one foot waiting to find out how her cat is.” Grandma Grace held her hand over the receiver. “She made it through the surgery with flying colors—”
“Yippee!” I jumped up and down, pumping my arms in the air, and Autumn joined in. “Yahoo!”
“Just a minute. Girls, I can’t hear the doctor.”
We both quieted down. I rocked back and forth on my toes, listening to some more uh-huhs and ahas before my grandmother finally said, “Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate all your hard work.”
Mom walked into the kitchen as my grandmother hung up the phone. “Good news?”
“The best,” I said. “Ripple’s going to be okay!”
“The doctor says she needs more rest,” Grandma Grace said, “but he thinks she’s on her way to a full recovery.”
“How many more nights does she have to stay at the vet?” I asked.
“He wants to keep an eye on her for the next few days.”
“I hate to bring this up,” Mom said. “But have you thought about what’s going to happen to the cat after that? I’m sure the doctor will want her to spend some time inside …”
“Can she stay on the porch?” I asked. “We could fix up a bed for her there.”
“It gets pretty cold out there at night,” Grandma Grace said. “She’ll need to stay in the house, at least while she’s recovering.”
“Does that mean we can keep her?” Autumn asked.
I held my breath.
“Of course,” Grandma Grace said. “Believe it or not, I happen to like cats.”
I felt my eyes opening wide. “Really?”
“Don’t be so surprised,” Grandma Grace said with a wink. “Besides, we’re already paying the vet bills so this cat is officially yours to keep.”
“Thanks so much, Grandma Grace. I can’t wait to bring her home.” I threw my arms around her and felt her arms encircling me, hugging me back.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Grandma Grace, the cat lover!
Dear Scott,
Guess what? I have a new cat. Her name is Ripple (after your favorite song) and she has fur the color of fudge stripe ice cream. She got attacked by dogs, but Grandma Grace paid for the vet bill. (Don’t worry. I’m working it off.) She’s coming home tomorrow. Yes, that’s right. Grandma Grace said she likes cats! Maybe there is hope for her after all.
So, anyway, I have the greatest news. I talked to Grandma Grace about Stellaluna and she said we should never have left her at home. We’re all hoping you can fly her down here when you come to visit next week. Lydia flew her three cats all the way from California and one of them is fourteen, the same as Stellaluna, so I’m sure she’ll be fine. I just know Stellaluna and Ripple are going to be the best of friends. I can’t wait to see her … and you!
Love,
Sunflower
P.S. Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 3, the regional Odyssey of the Mind competition. You can’t miss it!!!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I have many people to thank, who have helped me along the way as I transformed my manuscript from idea to book-on-the-shelf:
My amazing agent Brent, who has been steadfast in his enthusiasm and support since I first sent him Call Me Sunflower and he read it overnight. His encouragement and positive energy have inspired me to become a better writer.
My incredible editor Alison who reminds me of Ms. Rusgo, teaching me to “dig deep” with my characters and “Emote, emote, emote!” Call Me Sunflower wouldn’t be what it is today without her thoughtful feedback and expert guidance.
My fantastic writer friends, for providing honest feedback, encouragement, and virtual chocolates and wine on those tough days when I’ve needed them: Karen Bly, Melody Delgado, Eileen Feldsott, Stephanie Gorin, Katie Kennedy, Kim Small Lyng, Joseph Miller, Marilou Reeder, and Yolanda Ridge.
My best friend Liz and her girls Nicole, Danielle, and Alexandra, for sending me hearts and sunflowers and being my cheerleaders!
Naomi Moore, for being my first reader, for all her positive feedback, for being there on those tough days just to listen. I’m lucky to have Naomi as my sister!
My mom, for showing me just how strong and resilient she is now that she’s standing tall on her own after having my dad by her side for more than 50 years.
Eliana and Carissa, for inspiring me with their never-ending supply of creativity. Eliana, thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your Odyssey of the Mind coach for the past four years! Up to the rooftops!
Scott, for his unconditional love and support throughout this long writing journey.
To all my other friends and family who celebrated the release of my debut novel, Extraordinary; for buying the book and telling me it touched your heart, for writing reviews, giving it as gifts, and letting other people know how much you liked it. This means the world to me.
And to Margaret Franklin, who couldn’t have been happier for me when Extraordinary hit the shelves and cheered for me every step of the way. You are greatly missed.
Call Me Sunflower Page 17