Bunny sits at the kitchen table in her pink leotard and white tights, her ballet bag perched beside her, while Lola flips pancakes with practiced hands. "You know, sweetheart, I wish there was more I could do for you this summer,""Mom, I’m fine! I have my clubs, and I can help out around here," Bunny replies, her voice bright as she takes a bite.
And just five minutes later, a postman delivers a letter to their home. "It’s from Uncle Colt and Aunt Doreen. They want you to spend the summer with them in Arizona. Imagine that!""Arizona? With all the cactus and sunshine? I’ve never even been on a bus that far!""He says they’ll take good care of you. And Doreen wants to show you the pool," Lola adds, trying to mask her mixture of relief and longing.
The bus ride from Kenosha to Arizona was a long one. Bunny presses her forehead to the cool glass, watching the world change. Her heart pounds with anticipation and a touch of homesickness.
Colt Maxwell, tall and tanned, grins widely, his arms strong from years of bodybuilding, greeted Bunny warmly at the bus station. Upon arrival to the Maxwell home, Doreen, curvaceous and radiant in a turquoise sundress, pulls Bunny into a warm embrace. "There she is, our Wisconsin ballerina! We’re so glad you made it, kiddo,""I hope you brought your bikini, Bunny. There’s a pool party every day here,"
"Everyone, this is Bunny—our star guest from Kenosha! She’s a champion chess player and a budding scientist,"Mrs. Pemberly, a sprightly woman in a wide-brimmed hat and black fishnet swimsuit, leans in to greet her. "We’ll have to see if you can beat me at checkers, Bunny. But first, let’s get you some lemonade,""Thank you! It all looks so amazing," Bunny says, her nerves melting into excitement.
Bunny finds herself the center of attention, her stories about Wisconsin and school clubs enchanting the retirees. She feels a sense of belonging, her confidence blooming in the desert air. "You’re a breath of fresh air, honey. I hope you’re not missing home too much,""I do miss Mom, but… I feel like I have a whole new family here," Bunny replies, her smile bright as the stars above.
