Fablehaven by Brandon Mull - Chapter 1 - A Mandatory Vacation

Summary

In 'Fablehaven,' siblings Kendra and Seth are sent to stay with their reclusive grandparents at a mysterious estate in Connecticut while their parents embark on a Scandinavian cruise. The children discover an attic playroom filled with old toys and a hen named Goldilocks, but are warned against venturing into the woods due to tick season and Lyme disease. As they settle into their temporary home, they are intrigued by the oddities of the house and the surrounding property, setting the stage for an adventure that promises both mystery and magic.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Kendra and her family are on a long drive to her grandparents' house in Connecticut.
• 🕹️ Kendra's brother, Seth, is bored with his video game and asks about their Grandpa Sorensen living in India.
• 🍫 Their dad loves Almond Roca and keeps some in the car for snacks.
• 🚢 Kendra's parents are going on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise, leaving Kendra and Seth with their grandparents.
• 😢 Kendra is sad because she barely knows her grandparents and overheard that they didn't want to host them.
• 🏡 Grandpa Sorensen's house is large with extensive grounds, including a big barn.
• 🐓 In the attic playroom, there are toys and a pet hen named Goldilocks.
• ❌ Grandpa warns them about Lyme disease from ticks and forbids them from going into the woods or the barn.
• 📺 There's no TV or radio in the house, but plenty of toys and activities.
• 🗝️ Grandpa gives Kendra a set of keys to find what they unlock in the playroom.

Q & A

What is the name of the book series and its author?

The book series is called 'Fablehaven' and is written by Brandon Mull.

Who is the narrator of the story?

The story is narrated by a deep voice, but the character narrating the events is Kendra.

Why are Kendra and Seth going to stay with their grandparents?

Kendra and Seth are going to stay with their grandparents because their parents are going on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise.

What is the reason for the family cruise?

The family cruise is a result of a stipulation in the will of Kendra's grandparents, who wanted their children and their spouses to go on a Scandinavian Cruise after their death.

Why does Kendra feel uneasy about staying with Grandpa Sorensen?

Kendra feels uneasy because she overheard her parents discussing the arrangements at the funeral and Grandpa Sorensen's reluctance to have the children stay with him.

What is the name of the housekeeper at Grandpa Sorensen's house?

The housekeeper's name is Lena.

What is the unusual feature of the house that Kendra finds?

The unusual feature of the house is that it has an attic that is set up as a cheerful playroom with various toys and a hen named Goldilocks.

What is the rule about the woods and the barn that Grandpa Sorensen sets for Kendra and Seth?

Grandpa Sorensen forbids Kendra and Seth from entering the woods and the barn due to the dangers of ticks and unsafe equipment.

What task does Grandpa Sorensen assign to Kendra and Seth regarding Goldilocks the hen?

Grandpa Sorensen asks Kendra and Seth to take care of Goldilocks by feeding her, cleaning her cage, and collecting her eggs.

What does Grandpa Sorensen give Kendra and what is its purpose?

Grandpa Sorensen gives Kendra a set of three miniature keys and challenges her to figure out what each key unlocks in the playroom.

What is the significance of the telescope in the playroom?

The telescope in the playroom allows Kendra and Seth to look out the window and observe the surrounding forest, but the images are distorted due to the bubbly glass of the window.

What is the peculiar detail about the calendar in the playroom?

The peculiar detail about the calendar is that it is from the year 1953, which seems out of place in the context of the story.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Journey to Fablehaven

The story begins with Kendra and her brother Seth on a road trip to their grandparents' house, Fablehaven, in Connecticut. Their parents are leaving for a 17-day Scandinavian cruise, which was a posthumous wish of Kendra's other grandparents. The children are apprehensive about the trip, especially Kendra, who has few memories of spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Sorensen. The journey is long and filled with sibling banter and parental reassurances. The script sets the stage for an adventure that is about to unfold in a mysterious and secluded location.

05:01

🏡 Arrival at Fablehaven

Upon arrival at Fablehaven, Kendra and Seth are greeted by an old house with an impressive surrounding landscape, including a flower garden, manicured hedges, and a pond. They meet Lena, the housekeeper, and Dale, who helps tend the grounds. Their grandfather introduces strict rules about not entering the woods or the barn due to safety concerns and the risk of Lyme disease from ticks. The children are also told that they will be staying in the attic, which is a well-equipped playroom filled with various toys and activities. The summary highlights the children's initial impressions of their new surroundings and the introduction of the house's mysterious and somewhat eerie atmosphere.

10:02

🎨 Settling into the Playroom

Kendra and Seth are given a tour of the attic playroom, which is their designated space for the duration of their stay. The room is filled with a variety of toys, a small piano, a harpsichord, and even a hen named Goldilocks. Grandpa Sorensen entrusts them with the responsibility of taking care of the hen, including feeding and collecting eggs. The children are also given three miniature keys and a challenge to figure out what each one unlocks within the room. The summary emphasizes the children's exploration of their new environment and the beginning of their adventure at Fablehaven.

15:03

🔑 The Mysterious Keys

As Kendra and Seth settle into their attic playroom, they are intrigued by the three miniature keys given to them by Grandpa Sorensen. The keys are a mystery, as their purposes are not immediately clear. The children are also faced with the absence of electronic entertainment, such as a TV or radio, which is part of the house rules. The summary captures the children's curiosity and the beginning of their exploration into the secrets that Fablehaven may hold, starting with the keys and the telescope that offers a view of the surrounding forest.

Keywords

💡Fablehaven

Fablehaven is the title of the series and the name of the magical preserve where much of the story takes place. It represents a central theme of the video, which is the exploration of a fantastical world. In the script, Fablehaven is introduced as the destination of the characters' journey and sets the stage for the adventures that unfold.

💡Vacation

The concept of vacation is integral to the plot, as it is the reason the main characters, Kendra and Seth, end up at Fablehaven. A vacation typically implies a period of leisure or travel, but in this context, it becomes a catalyst for the siblings' encounter with the supernatural and the story's development.

💡Grandparents

Grandparents play a significant role in the narrative, acting as the connection between the children and Fablehaven. The script mentions 'Grandpa Sorensen' and 'Grandma and Grandpa Larson,' whose death and subsequent events lead to the children's stay at Fablehaven, highlighting the importance of family and legacy in the story.

💡Cruise

The cruise is a key element of the story, as it is the vacation that Kendra and Seth's parents are going on, leaving the children behind at Fablehaven. It symbolizes the separation of the children from their normal life and the beginning of their adventure in a new, magical environment.

💡Connecticut

Connecticut is the geographical setting of Fablehaven, providing a real-world location for the fantastical events. The script mentions the state as the place where the grandparents' estate is located, grounding the story in a familiar context while also signaling the transition to the extraordinary.

💡Adventure

Adventure is a central theme of the video, as the children are embarking on an unexpected journey filled with mystery and magic. The script hints at this when Kendra and Seth are told they will have a blast at Fablehaven, suggesting that their stay will be anything but ordinary.

💡Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is mentioned in the script as a potential danger in the woods around Fablehaven, adding an element of risk and caution to the children's exploration. It serves as a reminder of the real-world threats that can exist alongside the magical.

💡Rules

Rules are established in the script as boundaries that the children must respect while staying at Fablehaven. They are a way to maintain order and safety within the magical world, as seen when Grandpa Sorensen warns them against entering the woods and the barn.

💡Playroom

The playroom is a key location in the script, representing a safe space for the children within Fablehaven. It is described as a cheerful and well-equipped room, suggesting that despite the rules and potential dangers, there is also room for fun and creativity.

💡Keys

The keys given to Kendra by Grandpa Sorensen are a symbol of mystery and discovery. They represent the unknown aspects of Fablehaven that the children are encouraged to explore, adding an element of intrigue to their stay.

💡Tick Season

Tick season is mentioned as a specific time of year when the risk of encountering ticks, and consequently Lyme Disease, is higher. This detail adds a layer of realism to the setting and reinforces the need for the children to be cautious while exploring the grounds of Fablehaven.

Highlights

Kendra and Seth are on a mandatory vacation to Fablehaven, a mysterious estate with a rich history.

The children's grandparents pass away due to a gas leak, setting in motion their stay at Fablehaven.

Kendra's parents embark on a Scandinavian cruise, leaving the children in the care of distant relatives.

Seth's fascination with almond roca candy and his desire to have it all year round is highlighted.

The children arrive at Fablehaven and are greeted by the peculiar signs and a long, winding driveway.

The house at Fablehaven is described as old but well-maintained, with an impressive garden and a large barn.

Kendra and Seth meet Lena, the housekeeper, and Dale, who helps tend the grounds.

The attic playroom is revealed to be well-equipped with various toys and a telescope, but no TV or radio.

Grandpa Sorensen gives Kendra three miniature keys, each fitting something in the room, as a challenge.

A hen named Goldilocks is introduced, which the children are responsible for feeding and caring for.

Grandpa Sorensen warns the children about the dangers of Lyme disease from tick bites and restricts them from entering the woods.

The children are also forbidden from entering the barn due to safety concerns.

Kendra discovers a calendar from 1953, indicating a possible time discrepancy or nostalgia in the estate.

Seth's curiosity and playful nature are shown as he explores the attic and its various toys.

The children are given the freedom to enjoy the attic playroom but are reminded to respect the house rules.

Kendra's emotional struggle with her parents' departure and her feelings of abandonment are depicted.

Transcripts

Fablehaven the complete series by

Brandon Moore read by deep voice

narrator

book one

Fablehaven

chapter one a mandatory vacation

Kendra stared out the side window of the

SUV watching foliage blur past when the

flurry of motion became too much she

looked up ahead and fixed her Gaze on a

particular tree following it as it

slowly approached streaked past and then

gradually receded behind her

was life like that you could look ahead

to the future or back of the past but

the present moved too quickly to absorb

maybe sometimes not today today they

were driving along an endless two-lane

Highway through the forested hills of

Connecticut

why don't you tell us Grandpa Sorensen

lived in India Seth complained her

brother was 11 and heading into sixth

grade he had grown weary of his handheld

video game evidence that they were on a

truly epic Drive

mom Twisted to face the back seat it

won't be much longer enjoy the scenery

I'm hungry Seth said

mom started rummaging through a grocery

bag full of snack food

peanut butter and crackers Seth reached

forward for the crackers Dad driving

asked for some almond roca last

Christmas he had decided that almond

roca was his favorite candy and that he

should have some in his hand all year

long nearly six months later he was

still honoring his resolution

do you want anything Kendra

I'm fine

Kendra returned her attention to the

Frantic paraded trees her parents were

leaving on a 17-day Scandinavian cruise

with all the aunts and uncles on her

mother's side they were all going for

free not because they'd won a contest

they're going on a cruise because

Kendra's grandparents have asphyxiated

Grandma and Grandpa Larson have been

visiting relatives in South Carolina the

relatives lived in a trailer

the trailer had some sort of malfunction

involving a gas leak and they all died

in their sleep

long ago Grandma and Grandpa Larson had

specified that when they died all their

children and their spouses were to use

and allocated sum of money to go on a

Scandinavian Cruise

the grandchildren were not invited

once you get bored being stuck on a boat

for 17 days Kendra asked Dan glanced at

her in the rearview mirror the food is

supposed to be incredible snails fish

eggs the works

we're not all that thrilled about the

trip mom said sadly I don't think your

grandparents envisioned an accidental

death when they made this request but

we'll make the best of it

the ship stops and ports as you go Dad

said deliberately redirecting the

conversation you'll get to disembark for

parts of the time

is this car ride gonna last 17 days Seth

asked we're nearly there dad said

do we have to stay with grandpa and

grandma Sorensen said Kendra it'll be

fun dad said you should feel honored

they almost never invite anyone out to

stay with them exactly we barely know

them they're Hermits well they were my

parents dad said somehow I survived

the road stopped winding through the

forested hills as it passed through a

town they idled at a stoplight and

Kendra stared at an overweight woman

gassing up her minivan the front

windshield of the minivan was dirty but

the women seemed to have no intention of

washing it

Kendrick glanced up front the windshield

of the SUV was filthy smeared with dead

bugs even though dad had squeezed it

when they last stopped to refuel

they had driven all the way from

Rochester today

Kendra knew that Grandma and Grandpa

Sorensen had not invited them to stay

she had overheard when Mom had

approached Grandpa Sorensen about

letting the kids stay with them it was

at the funeral

the memory of the funeral made Kendra

shiver there was a wake beforehand where

Grandma and Grandpa Larson were

showcased in matching caskets Kendra did

not like seeing Grandpa Larson wearing

makeup while lunatic had decided that

when people died you should hire a

taxidermist to fix them up for one final

look she would much rather remember them

alive than on a grotesque display in

their Sunday best

the larsons were the grandparents who

had been part of their life they had

shared many holidays and long visits

Kendra could hardly remember spending

time with grandpa and grandma Sorensen

they had inherited some estate in

Connecticut around the time her parents

were married the Sorensen never invited

them to visit and rarely made the Trek

out to Rochester when they came it was

generally one or the other

they had only ever come together twice

the sorensens were nice but their visits

had been too infrequent and brief for

real bonding to occur

Kendra knew that Grandma had taught

history at some college and that grandpa

had traveled a lot running a small

importing business that was about it

everyone was surprised when Grandpa

Sorensen showed up again at the funeral

it had been more than 18 months since

either the Sorensen's had visited he had

apologized that his wife could not

attend because she was feeling ill

there always seemed to be an excuse

sometimes Kendra wondered if they were

secretly divorced perfect

toward the end of the Wake Kendra

overheard mom cajoling camposaurus and

into watching the kids they were in a

hallway around a corner away from the

viewing area

Kendra heard them talking before she

reached the corner and paused eavesdrop

why can't they stay with Marcy

normally they would but Marcy is coming

on the cruise

Kendra peeked around the corner Grandpa

Sorensen was wearing a brown jacket with

patches on the elbows and a bow tie

where are Marcy's kids going to her

in-laws what about a babysitter

two and a half weeks is a long time for

a sitter I remembered you had mentioned

having them over sometime

yes I recall does it have to be late

June why not July

the cruise is in that time frame what's

the difference

things get extra busy around then I

don't know Kate I'm out of practice with

children

Stan I don't want to go on this Cruise

it was important to my parents so we're

going I don't mean to twist your arm mom

sounded on the verge of tears

Grandpa Soren's inside

I suppose we can find a place to lock

him up Kendra moved away from the hall

at that point she'd quietly worried

about staying with Grandpa Sorensen ever

since

having left the town behind the SUV

climbed a steep grade then the road

curved around a lake and got lost among

low forested Hills every so often they

tasked a mailbox

sometimes the house was visible through

the trees sometimes there's only a long

driveway

they turned down onto a narrower Road

and kept driving

Kendra leaned forward and checked the

gas gauge

dad you're under a quarter of a tank she

said

we're almost there we'll fill up after

we drop you kids off

can't we come on the cruise Seth asked

we could hide in the lifeboats you could

sneak us food

you kids will have much more fun with

Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen mom said

just you wait give it a chance

here we are dad said they pulled off the

road and onto a gravel driveway Kendra

could see no sign of a house only the

driveway angling out of sight into the

trees

tires crunching over the gravel they

passed several signs advertising they

were on private property other signs

warded off trespassers they came to a

low metal gate that hung open but could

be shut to prevent access

this is the longest driveway in the

world Seth complained

the farther they Advanced the less

conventional the science became private

property and no trespassing gave away to

beware of 12 gauge and trespassers will

be persecuted

these signs are funny Seth said

more like creepy Kendra muttered

rounding on another bend the driveway

reached a tall wrought iron fence topped

with fleur-de-lis the double gate stood

open the fence extended off into the

trees as far as Kendra could see in

either direction near the fence stood a

final sign

certain death awaits

as Grandpa Sorensen paranoid Kendra

asked the signs are a joke dad said he

inherited this land I'm sure the fence

came with it after they passed to the

gate there was still no house in sight

just more trees and shrubs they drove

across a small Bridge spanning a creek

and climbed a shallow slope there the

trees ended abruptly bringing the house

into view across a vast front lawn

the house was big but not enormous with

a lot of Gables and even a turret after

the wrought iron gate Kendra had

expected a castle or a mansion

constructed out of dark wood and stone

the house looked old but in good repair

the grounds were more impressive a

bright flower garden bloomed in front of

the house manicured Hedges and a fish

pond added to the character of the yard

behind the house loomed an immense Brown

Barn at least five stories tall topped

by a Weathervane I love it mom said I

wish we were all staying you've never

been here Kendra asked no your father

came here a couple of times before we

were married

they go the extra mile to discourage

visitors dad said me Uncle Carl Aunt

Sophie none of us have ever spent much

time here I don't get it you kids are

lucky you'll have a blast if nothing

else you can spend your time playing in

the pool

they pulled to a stop outside the garage

the front door opened and Grandpa

Sorensen emerged followed by a tall

lanky man with large ears and a thin

older woman mom dad and Seth got out of

the car Kendra sat and watched

grandpa had been clean shaven at the

funeral but now he wore a stubbly white

beard he was dressed in faded jeans work

boots and a flannel shirt

Kendra studied the older woman she was

not Grandma Sorensen despite her white

hair and streaked with a few black

strands her face had an ageless quality

her almond eyes were black as coffee and

her features suggested a hint of Asian

ancestry

short and slightly stooped she retained

an exotic Beauty

dad in the lanky man opened the back of

the SUV and began removing suitcases and

duffel bags you come in Kendra dad asked

Kendra opened the door and dropped to

the gravel just place the things inside

Grandpa was telling Dad Dale will take

them up to the bedroom

where's mom dad asked

visiting your auntie Edna in Missouri

Edna's dying Kendra had barely ever

heard of on Edna so the news did not

mean much she looked up at the house she

noticed the windows had bubbly glass

bird nests clung under the eaves

they all migrated to the front door dad

and Dale carried the larger bags Seth

held a smaller duffel and a cereal box

the cereal box was his emergency kit it

was full of odds and ends that he

thought would come in handy for an

adventure rubber bands a compass granola

bars coins and a squirt gun a magnifying

glass plastic handcuffs string a whistle

this is Lena our housekeeper grandpa

said the older woman nodded and gave a

little wave Dale helps me tend the

grounds

aren't you pretty Lena said to Kendra

you must be around 14. Lena had a faint

accent that Kendra could not place

in October

an iron knocker hung on the front door a

squinting Goblin with a ring in its

mouth the thick door had bulky hinges

Kendra entered the house glossy wood

floored the entry hall a wilting

arrangement of flowers rested on a low

table in a white ceramic base a tall

brass coat rack stood off to one side

beside a black bench with a high carved

back

on the wall hung a painting of a fox

hunt

Kendra could see into another room where

a huge embroidered throw-up covered most

of the wooden floor like the house

itself the Furnishings were antiquiated

but in good repair the couches and

chairs were mostly of the sort you would

expect to see while visiting a

historical site

Dale was heading up the stairs with some

of the bags Lena excused herself and

went into another room

your home is beautiful Mom gushed I wish

we had time for a tour

maybe when you get back grandpa said

thanks for letting the kids stay with

you Dad said our pleasure don't let me

keep you

we're on a pretty tight schedule dad

apologized

you kids be good and do whatever Grandpa

Sorensen tells you mom said she hugged

Kendra and Seth Kendra felt tears

seeping into her eyes she fought them

back

have a fun Cruise

we'll be back before you know it Dad

said putting an arm around Kendra and

tussling Seth's hair waving mom and dad

walked out the door Kendra went to the

driveway and watched them climb into the

SUV dad honked and they drove off Kendra

fought back tears again as the SUV

vanished into the trees

mom and dad were probably laughing

relieved to be off by themselves for the

longest vacation of their married lives

she could practically hear their Crystal

goblets clinking and here she stood

abandoned

Kendra closed the door Seth oblivious as

ever was examining the intricate pieces

of a decorative chess set Grandpa stood

in the entry hall watching Seth and

looking politely uncomfortable

leave the chess pieces alone Kendra said

they look expensive

oh he's all right grandpa said by the

way he said Kendra could tell he was

relieved to see Seth putting the pieces

down

shall I shoot you to your room

they followed Grandpa up the stairs and

down a carpeted Hall to the foot of a

narrow wooden staircase leading up to a

white door Grandpa continued on up the

creaking steps

we don't often have guests especially

children grandpa said over his shoulder

I think he'll be most comfortable in the

Attic

he opened the door and they entered

after him brace for cobwebs and torture

devices

Kendra was relieved to find that the

attic was a cheerful playroom spacious

clean and bright the long room had a

pair of beds shells crowded with

children's books freestanding wardrobes

tidy dressers a unicorn rocking horse

multiple toy chests and a hen in a cage

Seth went straight for the chicken cool

he poked a finger through the bars

trying to touch the orange gold feathers

careful Seth Kendra warned he'll be fine

grandpa said Goldilocks is more the

house pet that a barnyard hen your

grandmother usually takes care of her I

figured you kids wouldn't mind filling

in while she's gone you'll need a feeder

cleaner cage and collect her eggs

she likes eggs Seth looked astonished

and delighted an egg or two a day if you

keep her well fed Grandpa said he

pointed to a white plastic bucket filled

with kernels near the cage a scoop in

the morning and another in the evening

should take care of her you want to

change the lining of her cage every

couple of days and make sure she has

plenty of water every morning we give

her a tiny bowl of milk Grandpa wink

that's the secret behind her egg

production

can we ever take her out the hen had

moved close enough for Seth to stroke

her feathers with one finger

just put her back afterwards Grandpa

bent down and put a finger to the cage

and Goldilocks instantly pecked at it

Grandpa withdrew his hand never liked me

much

some of these toys look expensive Kendra

said standing beside an ornate Victorian

dollhouse

toys are meant to be played with Grandpa

said do your best to keep him in a

decent shape and that'll be good enough

Seth moved from the hen cage to a small

piano in the corner of the room he

banged on the keys in the notes that

clanged sounded different from what

Kendra would have expected there's a

little harpsichord

consider this room your space grandpa

said within reason I'll not bother you

to pick things up in here so long as you

treat the rest of the house with respect

okay Kendra said I also have some

unfortunate news we are in the height of

tick season you kids ever hear of Lyme

disease Seth shook his head I think so

Kendra said it was originally discovered

in the town of Lyme Connecticut not too

far from here you catch it from the tick

bites the woods are full of ticks this

year

what does it do Seth asked Grandpa

paused for a solemn moment starts out as

a rash before long it can lead to

arthritis paralysis and heart failure

besides disease or no you don't want

ticks burn into your skin to drink your

blood you try and pull them off and the

head detaches hard to get out that's

disgusting Kendra exclaimed Grandpa not

a grimly they're so small you can hardly

see them at least until they fill up on

blood then they swell to the size of a

grape anyhow point is you kids are not

allowed to enter the woods under any

circumstances stay on the lawn break

that rule in your outdoor privileges

will be revoked we understand one

another

Kendra and Seth nodded you also need to

keep out of the bar too many ladders and

Rusty old pieces of farm equipment same

rules apply to the barn as applied to

the woods set foot in there and you will

spend the rest of your stay in this room

okay Seth said crossing the room to

where a little easel stood on a paint

spattered tarp

a blank canvas rested on the easel

additional blank canvases leaned against

a wall nearby besides shelves stocked

with jars of paint

can I paint

I'm telling you twice you have the Run

of this room grandpa said just try not

to destroy it I have many chores to

attend to so I may not be around much

there should be plenty of toys and

hobbies here to keep you busy

what about a TV Seth asked no TV or

radio Grandpa replied rules of the house

if you need anything Lena will never be

far he indicated a purple cord hanging

against a wall near one of the beds tug

the cord if you need her in fact Len

will be up with your supper in a few

minutes

won't we eat together Kendra asked some

days right now I need to visit the East

Hayfield might not be back until late

how much land do you own ask Seth

Grandpa smiled more than my share let's

leave it at that I'll see you kids in

the morning

he turned to leave and then paused

reaching into his coat pocket turning

back he handed Kendra a tiny key ring

holding three miniature keys of varying

sizes each one of these Keys fits

something in this room see if you can

figure out what each one unlocks

Grandpa Sorensen walked out of the room

closing the door behind him Kendra

listened as he descended the stairs she

stood at the door waiting and then

gently tried the handle it turned slowly

she eased the door open peering down the

empty hallway and then closed it at

least he had not locked them in

Seth had opened a toy chest and was

examining the contents the toys were

old-fashioned but in excellent condition

soldiers dolls puzzles stuffed animals

wooden blocks

Kendra wandered over to a telescope by

the window she peered into the eyepiece

positioned the telescope to look through

a window pane and began twisting the

focus knobs she can improve the focus

but couldn't get it quite right

she stopped filling with the knobs and

examined the window the pains were made

of bubbly glass like those in the front

of the house the images were being

distorted before they reached the

telescope unfastening a latch Kendra

pushed the window open she had a good

view of the forest east of the house

illuminated by the golden Hues of the

Setting Sun moving the telescope closer

to the window she spent some time trying

to master the knobs bringing the leaves

on the trees below into crisp Focus let

me see Seth said he was standing beside

her pick up those toys first

a meso toys lay pile near the open chest

grandpa said we could do whatever we

want in here without making it a

disaster you're already wrecking the

place I'm playing this is a playroom

remember how mom and dad said we need to

pick up after ourselves remember how Mom

and Dad aren't here

I'll tell how stick a note in a bottle

you won't even remember by the time they

get back

Kendra noticed a calendar on the wall

I'll write it on the calendar good and

I'll look to the telescope while you do

that

this is the one thing in the room I was

doing why don't you find something else

I didn't notice the telescope why don't

you share don't mom and dad also tell us

to share

fine Kendra said it's all yours but I'm

closing the window bugs are coming in

whatever

she shut the window

Seth looked into the eyepiece and

started twisting the focus knobs Kendra

took a closer look at the calendar it

was from

1953. each month was accompanied by the

illustration of a fairyland Palace

she turned the calendar to June today

was June 11th the days of the week did

not match up but she could still count

down to when her parents return they

would be back June 28th

this stupid thing won't even focus Seth

complained Kendra smiled