The waiting room was warm and inviting. Painted a soft butterscotch color, one wall held a sign inviting them to take a seat in the large plaid chairs. Above these color-coordinated chairs, mobiles of the covers of famous children’s books swung in the air conditioning, inspiring children to ask about them. More than any other waiting room Kitten had ever entered, this place made her relax immediately. Her butterflies disappeared at once.
“May I help you?” the receptionist inquired. Her voice was as soft and inviting as the room.
“Yes,” Mama replied. “I have an appointment scheduled with Natalie Meyer at ten o’clock for my daughter, Karen. My name is Katie Hearshstein.”
“She wrote me a letter and said to call her Miss Natalie, and she’s my tutor!” Karen could not keep herself from interrupting.
“And this is Karen,” Mama said with a wink to the receptionist.
“Oh, yes. She’s expecting you. She’ll be out in a moment. Please have a seat and make yourselves comfortable.”
“Thank you,” Mama answered before walking to one of the overstuffed chairs. She and Kitten each picked up a magazine from the coffee table and began reading.
Five minutes passed, and Miss Natalie appeared, beaming. She was taller than Mama, almost five feet four inches, and had a slender build. Her long, red hair curled and flowed over her shoulders. She wore a red and tan suit with a ruffled red blouse and black high heels. Her clothes went with the colors of the reception room.
“Hi, Karen, pleased to meet you. I’ll be working with you. Won’t you come this way?” she said in a low, melodic voice that relaxed Kitten even more.
Original text ©2022 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.
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