Klaus walked into the house, placing the basket of food onto the marble sideboard. Duncan smiled, unpacking the food, and passing it to Sunny. Sunny loved to cook.
He went over to Violet, who was putting finishing touches on her latest invention. Quigley came into the room. "Hello, Klaus," he said. "Hey, Violet."
Violet was 18 years old and Quigley was 17. They were married and took responsibility for the majority of the family. Quigley kissed his wife on her cheek. Violet smiled. She stood up, admiring it.
"It's to help do the washing," she explained to Klaus.
"It's beautiful," said Quigley. "You're really creative. I long to go mountaineering again."
Violet grinned. "Maybe after the fair," she said.
"Violet?" asked Klaus. "Do you miss our parents?"
"I do," she said. "But they're watching us from heaven. They told me to look after you and Sunny. You're 16, Klaus. You probably don't need to be looked after. But Sunny is 6 years old, and I promised- I promised them I would look after her."
Klaus smiled. "I know. But I'm old enough."
Violet grinned. "I'm going with Quigley to the fair. Duncan wants a notebook, Isadora wants a poetry book, and Sunny wants a toy. What can I get you?"
"A rose," he said. "To remind me of our burnt-down home."
"You ask for that every year," said Quigley.
Klaus nodded. "Well," said Violet. "Why don't you go up and read? We'll call you when it's time for breakfast."
Klaus smiled, as he went upstairs to read.