Charlotte was not at all convinced about this move. “Mom, Dad, are you sure this is a good idea?”
“I’m sorry pumpkin,” her mom said, “but we’ve been over this a million times. Finally your dad and I will get to work in the same college. It’s not easy for academics.”
“Indeed,” her dad chimed in. “We are the hobos of the modern age. Always wandering from place to place, in search of an honest day’s work.”
“You are overdramatizing dear,” her mom said. “I’ve got this. Keep your eyes on the road.”
Tonight was the full moon, and all Charlotte could see outside were trees. Lots and lots of trees. “But we’ve never lived in the country. Is it even safe? I read somewhere that too many trees are bad for you.”
“Actually trees are good for you,” her father said helpfully. “They create oxygen. Makes breathing much easier.”
“I said, dear, that I’ve got this,” her mom said, this time more sharply. “Focus on your driving.” She turned to look at her daughter. “Think of all the new friends you will make here.”
“But I’ve got friends back, um, … home.” As she said the last word, she could feel the tears welling up. She balled her fists, annoyed at herself. There was a serious point to make here, and she would not cry.
“Your friends are aren’t disappearing. Believe it or not, even out here in the country they have the phone and the internet. Besides, after the summer you’re going to start high school — a whole new crop of friends. So you’ll have twice as many friends as anybody else.”
Charlotte sensed there was a flaw somewhere in her mother’s logic. She was still formulating her counterargument when she heard a crunch of gravel beneath the tires. They had arrived.