Hiram:
A knock on my door awakens me in the morning. I stir from my sleep, not wanting to stand up, but the person opens the door, causing me to open my eyes.
“Father wants to see you,” Hollis says, and I sit up at once to see he is dressed for the day. Mother really cloned Hollis because I cannot imagine being dressed for the day as early as seven.
I expect him to leave, but then he walks in and shuts the door. Giving off a yawn, I stretch my hands before pushing myself out of bed.
“Mother is stressed from the recent events, and I know she can be gritty, but please just put up with her.” I glance at him when he says this. “She’s been smoking again,” he says in a low tone, causing my heart to drop a little.
I cannot imagine the amount of stress she has, and I wish I could stay in the
