By: Jyotsna M
Massachusetts, Grade: 8

An entry from the Diary of Eleanora

June 15, 1934

Dear Mitty,

Today, I finally turned 12. This birthday I had dreaded, after losing my older sister Helena to illness, getting evicted, and sometimes never seeing Mum or Dad because they have to work all day to pay the rent, here at Mr and Mrs. Garalle's Boarding House.

I woke up late this morning, and next to my make shift bed of comforters, blankets and pillows on the ground, I found a light pink dress, with flower patterns on it. It had a white collar embroidered with tiny blue flowers, as were the edges of the dress. I LOVED it. I had no idea where it came from. A dress like that surely would have cost at least 30 dollars, a luxury for anyone in the boarding house, even Mum and Dad. Next to it was a note, in Mark's handwriting. Yes, it was the Mark who lives in the boarding house, who I have an enormous liking for!
I'll paste the Note right here:

To our Dear Eleanora,

We hope you like your dress! We all worked together to buy it. Happy Birthday, to a very special girl!
Hey, what are you waiting for! Put it on and come down stairs!

At the end, all the borders signed, and Mark signed and left a little heart next to his name. I let out a loving sigh. I grabbed my dress, and ran out of bedroom number three. I went to the bathroom, which for once did not have a line! I washed my face and put my hair in a half-ponytail and tied a ribbon to it. I went down stairs, where a CAKE, yes a CAKE, awaited! Everyone in unison yelled ''Happy Birthday Eleanora!'' I was so surprised they would have enough money to do this!
I went to Mum and Dad, and I saw a proud look in their eyes.
''How did you do this?'' I asked, still in shock.
''For our daughter, we can do anything.'' My parents gave me a loving look as Mummy said that.
Mrs. Garalle lit the candles, and I blew all of them out. I made a wish, I told no one, but I'll tell you Mitty: That the winds will change. That maybe, I'll see more of Mum and Dad, feel better about Helena, know that my family is going to be okay.

Mark came up to me.
''Nell, you want to go to the ice cream parlor today?'' Mark said, in the syrupy voice that could only be his.
I was shocked by the offer; my mind floated to a state of bliss
''Sure Mark.'' I said, in a dreamy voice.
We went to the center of the town and went to the ice cream parlor, where we got a booth seat. Before I could order, the waitress brought us a chocolate smoothie, with strawberry sides. Just being a kid, I had no idea how he could afford it, until I read the note left by the waitress: ''on the house''.
There were two straws and shyly, I picked one to drink from.
'' Nella, you know, all this time you were at the boarding house, well, I am just going to say it, I really like you.''
I thought I was about to faint. All this time, he liked me too?
''Mark, Ditto!'' I said with out thinking, and then, we burst out laughing! We started for home and when we were at the door, I suddenly found my lips pressed against his! I didn't want to pull back, so we ended up kissing for a minute! When we finally came out of it, he gazed at me. I couldn't believe it.
I went inside where Mum called me.
'' Lets go on a walk Nella. Grab your dad too''
I got Daddy and we walked along, we walked pretty far when Mum and Dad stopped. It was in front of a lovely house, painted a nice shade of peach.
The garden was full of roses and violets, as well as petunias, daisies and daffodils.
''Isn't that house pretty?'' Dad said.
'' Wow, it sure is!''
I replied.
'' Wouldn't you love to live in that house?'' Mum asked.
'' Of course! Anyone would!''
'' Well, you are!'' Dad said.
'' What? How did you get the house?''
'' We saved all our money, and now we know that our jobs are solid, and we will be able to pay off the mortgage. Nella, Welcome to your home!'' Mum replied.
I ran in the house and upsairs. One of the bedrooms was completly finshed, with a bed, a rug, carpeting and a desk, all in blue and pink. I knew this was my room.
I ran downstairs to my Mom and dad and gave them a hug.

So tonight journal, I write from my new life. I got exactly what I wanted: Changing Winds

Epilogue:
Eleanora lived in that house for the rest of her life. She met Mark again in college, and later they got married. They had three children. Eleanora was a patron for homeless people and helped them get homes. Her children still carry out her legacy.