"Deborah?" I heard my mother's voice call out, and my heart sank. I knew that she was looking for Mrs. Delouise, but the thought of facing her so early in the morning made me want to dive under the kitchen counter. I heard the familiar sound of my mother's footsteps getting closer and closer, and I knew that I had to act fast if I wanted to avoid a confrontation. Without thinking, I dove down behind the kitchen counter, praying that she wouldn't find me. I could hear the sound of her voice getting louder, and I knew that she was getting closer. My heart was pounding in my chest as I tried to control my breathing. If she found me here, there would be no end to her tirade, and I would be left without breakfast. I closed my eyes and held my breath, waiting for the inevitable.
"Deborah? Have
