Chapter 1
Caitlyn was looking out of her mother's car window as she waved her house goodbye. She didn't want to go to her uncle's, but her mom had a business trip for the month. The last time she saw Uncle Linden was when she was five years old. It's been seven years since then and she wasn't sure what it would be like. It took about an hour to get there. Just by looking at the large rusty old house, Caitlyn knew she wasn't going to enjoy the beginning of her vacation.
"Ma, do I really have to go?" Caitlyn said. She knew it was a useless attempt but it was worth a try.
"Yes dear." her mom replied. "I'm telling you for the last time, I'm sorry I can't stay home, but I need to finish up some work. Although, I'm sure you and Uncle Linden will have a wonderful time. And, Aunt Ruth even said she would teach you how to sew."
Caitlyn didn't reply. She wasn't really into sewing or dolls. Her only hobby was reading. Everyday, she would always finish a new book. Finding new adventures and dreams along the way. Her room would always be filled of books, but for now all she had were her three favorite books and her favorite toy doll.
Even though Caitlyn wasn't into dolls, she got hers from her father. He had made it for her in her 10th birthday. It was the only doll she really loved and cared for. A week after her birthday her mom got a call from the police. Somehow, on her father's way from work, he got into a car accident. He died from a severe head injury. Ever since then, Caitlyn has had that doll with her. Even though the doll doesn't look the same way it did, she still sees it as the first day she got it.
Caitlyn's mom was now parking the car in her uncle's front yard. Just as they got out, they were greeted with hugs and kisses from Uncle Linden and Aunt Ruth. Caitlyn was trying her best to be as polite as she could.
"Welcome!" Said Linden.
"Hi Uncle Linden." Replied Caitlyn, slightly nervous.
"Let me show you around the house." Linden said as he turned around toward his house. Caitlyn heaved a sigh as she walked in. She could see her mother talking to Ruth through the windows. "Come on." Said Linden rather excitedly. He was already across the halls still skipping his way through. He seemed very energetic for a man around the age of 50. Caitlyn quickly caught up to him as he stopped in front of two large doors. "I want to show you something. You know, your ma told me you were quite the bookworm. Well, that's quite coincidental since I am too." He then opened the two doors leading to the largest library Caitlyn had ever seen. Her mouth dropped open and she almost forgot to breathe. It had books piled so high; you would need a ladder to reach. All the books were filed neatly in alphabetical order and seemed so easy to find. There wasn't a book on earth that wasn't in this library.
"This is amazing!" Caitlyn said as she walked in.
"Yes, and as long as you're here, there is no book you cannot read." Linden replied, as he looked at the library with complete satisfaction. "Go ahead, enjoy yourself." Linden said throwing out his arm toward the library.
Caitlyn looked at him at disbelief but then ran toward the library with complete enthusiasm.