a new day

August 2029 - Sandy Fairchild is 45, Ellie is 6 (Ricky Cormier is 35).

Sandy and Ellie move from their small house to a slightly larger home near Lowell College. With the extra room, Sandy decides it's time to buy Ellie a cat, Heidi.

Sandy can afford the new place because she's now mayor of Providence.

At six Ellie is already an aspiring artist.

"You're such a wonderful artist," Sandy tells her daughter over dinner.

"Thanks Mommy."

"Your father studied art in college. You must take after him."

Sandy has mentioned Ricky from time to time, but this is the first time Ellie seems interested in hearing about her father. "Really? Is he an artist now?"

"He's a chef now, but I think he still paints and sculpts."

"Can I meet him?"

The question catches her off-guard, although it probably shouldn't. Ellie's six now, old enough to want to meet her father. "Of course sweetie. I'll call him soon."

"He can come over for dinner!" she exclaims. "He can make us dinner."

"We'll see, baby."

*****

This is pretty short entry, but it's been a while since we saw the Fairchilds, and I thought it was time for an update. Ellie is friends with Meg Stanton, who's the other first grader.