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it, though. She had to meet her parents even if it meant risking her life. She didn't know these people called Mom and Dad but it seemed that they had done way too much for her before she even had teeth in her mouth so it was the least she could do.
    After finally falling asleep, Nikoleta had the same dream she had a few days ago with the people tied to posts calling her name. She guessed that the people were her parents. Although the dream was far from pleasant, she thought it was nice to hear their voices or at least her rendition of them.
    In the morning , she sat up and rubbed her eyes and stretched. She felt hungry. Just then, Day came over with a metal bowl, a wash cloth and a pair of clothes. “This is to wash up with. How did you sleep? Well, I hope.” Day sat everything down on the table front of the couch and smiled. “Yeah, I slept OK, thanks,” Nikoleta fibbed. Day left to go to the kitchen. Nikoleta started washing her face. She looked at the cloth and saw some of her makeup on it. She was going to feel naked without it but perhaps it was time for a change.
                      She washed the rest of herself and changed into the clothes that Day gave her. It was a short-sleeve, loosely fitting black blouse with brown pants. They were very comfortable, like sweatpants only lighter. They also had a draw string at the waist. Day had also given her a pair of socks. She put them on and her Converse over them. Feeling a little silly in the outfit despite its comfort, she figured it would help her blend in. She folded her black tank top and jeans and set them on the couch.
                     Afterward, she found Kibbie, Day and Bosh all sitting at the table having breakfast. “Come join us, friend,” Bosh invited. Nikoleta sat down. “Good morning.” Nikoleta told her new companions. She got a “Good morning” in unison in return.             
    While eating her eggs, sausage and toast, Nikoleta wondered what time it was. “What time is it ? Does anyone know?” “It's 8:30,” Day answered. Nikoleta was confused. Where was the clock? She was so used to her red, glowing clock in the morning with its obnoxious alarm. “We tell time a little differently here. Look,” Kibbie got up and flew over to the right wall of the dining area. Something was there that Nikoleta hadn't noticed. It was a long thin pole that went up through the ceiling. Around the pole there was a clock that looked similar to an analog clock except there was no second hand. “It looks like this pole underground here, but above ground it is connected to the top of Grundon's tree...which you will see later. Judging by the light, the energy of the sun tells us what time it is, sort of like a sun dial,” Kibbie explained.
                    “Wow, that's pretty cool!” Nikoleta exclaimed. “There are a lot of cool things here.”
    “Yeah it's not so bad, ” Kibbie smiled.
                     After that, Nikoleta began to wonder about the orphanage. How was everyone taking the fact that she wasn’t there? They were worried sick, for sure. Imagine Helga coming up stairs to her room to shake her awake and her not being there. They were probably calling the police by then. Yes. That was what they were doing. Unfortunately, she had to put these thoughts aside even though she felt guilty.
                     Breakfast was finished and the others didn’t say much because they could tell Nikoleta was lost in a train of thought. Bosh started gathering dishes, and cleaning up and Day was gathering three small, leather bags and an even smaller one for Kibbie. Kibbie left to go buy some fruit and Bosh started packing. Since everyone was busy, Nikoleta felt the need to get involved. Then, to her surprise, Bosh asked if she would like to help wrap some food. “Wrap food?” “Yes, we wrap bread and fruit in cloth to keep them moist and fresh,” Bosh explained.