Free Lizabeth's Story by Thomas Kinkade

lips that had been like rosebuds.
    â€œI have to leave before anyone sees me,” Lizabeth whispered. She kissed the sleeping child’s brow. “I promise I’ll be back.”
    Â 
    Lizabeth walked back to Kat’s cottage along Lighthouse Lane carrying the dress over her arm. This time she wasn’t aware of the night noises and deep shadows. She was blinded by tears. It was her fault that Tracy wastormented by that stupid ribbon. She had been a terrible big sister.
    Dear God, Lizabeth whispered, please help me do better. When she gets well, I’ll play with Tracy more. I’ll pay more attention. She carries Sleeping Beauty and The Ugly Duckling around, looking for someone to read to her. A sob caught in Lizabeth’s throat. Please, God, let me have that chance.
    On the path to Kat’s cottage, Lizabeth stopped to pull herself together. She wiped her face with her sleeve and took a deep breath.
    Then through the front door, up the stairs, and into Kat’s room. She dropped the strawberry dress over a chair.
    Sunshine raised his head and gave a questioning yip.
    â€œShhh, good dog,” Lizabeth whispered.
    Kat stirred in her bedroll. “What time is it?”
    â€œIt’s still night,” Lizabeth said. “Go back to sleep.”
    â€œWait—why are you dressed?” Kat asked. “What’s going on?”
    â€œI saw Tracy.”
    Kat sat up. “Tracy?”
    â€œShe doesn’t look good, Kat. She…” There was a lump in Lizabeth’s throat.
    â€œHow did you see Tracy? Were you with her?”
    â€œI went home.” Lizabeth’s voice was scratchy with fatigue. She pulled on her nightgown. “I had to get the strawberry dress and I went into Tracy’s room. She—”
    Kat bolted out of the bedroll and faced Lizabeth, her eyes blazing. “How could you? How could you break quarantine for a dress ? You exposed yourself to scarlet fever !”
    â€œWell, that’s my business, isn’t it?”
    â€œIt’s my business, too! You don’t care about anyone but yourself.”
    Lizabeth was stunned. “I don’t care ?” she repeated. She was devastated by Tracy’s suffering. She had expected comfort from Kat.
    â€œI know you’re self-centered and vain, but this is too much. Even for you. How dare you put Todd and Jamie and my whole family in danger!”
    â€œOh. I never thought of that.”
    â€œWhat do you think quarantine is for?” Kat glared at her, hands on her hips. “Is there anything in your head besides beauty contests and—and nightshade?”
    Lizabeth’s eyes widened with hurt.
    â€œIf you’ve brought the fever here to my little brothers…” Kat sputtered in anger. “For nothing morethan—than this !” She fingered a fold of the dress and flung it aside.
    â€œYou’re so mean. Rough and mean!” Lizabeth lashed out in her pain. “And…and heartless! You stomp on other people’s feelings. Everything has to be your way. I’m tired of you rolling your eyes at me and directing me. Ever since I’ve been here—”
    â€œIf you don’t like it—” Kat started.
    â€œI’ll leave,” Lizabeth finished. “You’re right, I don’t like it here. I don’t like you !”
    They stared at each other. The few feet between them felt like miles.
    Lizabeth lowered her eyes first. It was true she hadn’t even considered that she might infect Kat and her family.
    She wouldn’t cry in front of Kat. She wouldn’t! She pulled her suitcase out from under the bed.
    â€œIt’s the middle of the night,” Kat said. “You have no place to go.”
    â€œI don’t care.”
    â€œI suppose we can hope you didn’t catch the fever.” Kat’s voice softened a little. “How is Tracy?”
    â€œI started to tell you and you didn’t even bother to