Over the years, the Sunshine Girls Home had been a shelter for girls of all ages, from babies to teenagers, and one middle-aged guardian. For the younger occupants, the Home had many childproofing features installed to keep them safe. At the top of the staircase, a baby gate had been installed. The stairs itself had been padded with carpeting thick enough that the edges would not harm a child who tripped.
And as Sandy lay face down on the steps with her hands stretched out, she was glad for the thick carpeting, having slipped and fallen on her way up.
Sandy had just completed her chores for the day. She had finished folding the laundry and had been carrying the clothes, hers and her roommate's, to her room when she had lost her footing. The clothes and a laundry basket were at that moment scattered about the stairs.
Sandy sat on the steps and sighed. The clothes would need to be refolded again. She collected the clothes into the laundry basket. Then the girl made her way up to her room.
Celeste was seated at their shared desk, with textbooks and stationery out. She had just returned from her part-time job and was using what little she had left of her night to work on her homework.
"Hey, Cel," Sandy greeted as she dumped the clothes onto her bed.
Celeste grunted a reply without looking up.
Sandy picked up a T-shirt and started folding it. "You know, I think it's great that you've a job."
Celeste hummed in reply.
"I mean, there's all sorts of things that you can afford now," Sandy continued.
"Not really," Celeste said, "I've to save up for college."
"Won't you get a scholarship?" Sandy asked.
Celeste twisted in her seat to face her roommate. "That's maybe enough to cover the fees and get me in. But I'll need money for living expenses." She turned back to her homework.
Sandy placed the folded shirt into the basket. "Huh? So you're not spending any of it on yourself now?"
"Maybe a little," Celeste admitted as she looked up, "But... I'm thinking of cutting back on my working hours."
"What? Why?"
Celeste twisted in her seat again. "I barely have enough time to do my homework, let alone study."
"Yeah, but you're getting paid money now."
"Look, Sandy. To get a scholarship, I'll need good results," Celeste explained, "And I need a scholarship to get into college, unless I'd like to work for a few years in a low-pay job." She turned back to her homework.
"So, you need time to study..."
Celeste sighed. "Yes, Sandy."
"You just have to use your time more wisely, then."
Celeste spun sharply to face her. "Sandy, the reason I don't have time for schoolwork is because you keep talking!" Then she got up and literally kicked Sandy and her laundry out of the room. "Now go do the laundry elsewhere and let me concentrate!"
"Sorry," Sandy apologized sullenly as Celeste slammed the door shut. She gathered the clothes into the basket. She would have to fold the clothes, again.
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