Second Thoughts Read Online Free PDF Page B

us, it wasn’t just dark but pitch black. I nearly stumbled over my aunt before she grabbed my hand and said, “Just walk slowly. I promise it will be worth it.” Amy gripped the back of my shirt as we inched through the darkness.
    When we reached what seemed like the end of the hall—even the lobby was pitch black—Aunt Tessa said, “Okay, now!” into a small walkie-talkie I hadn’t even noticed she was holding. The lights blazed to life overhead.
    When my eyes finally adjusted, I was no less dazzled. What had previously been a boring architectural ceiling of acoustic sound panels had been transformed into a myriad flock of hanging origami birds in an array of materials—mixed metals, plaster, wood, lacquered paper. There were at least fifty of them, all different shapes and sizes, hanging at varied lengths and in different angles of flight or rest. They weren’t just the basic, familiar crane shapes either; there were swans and peacocks, swallows and herons, eagles and owls, along with a number of other birds I couldn’t name on sight.
    The birds would have been impressive on their own, but this was an installation, not just a sculpture exhibit. Before long, the tiny, artfully placed spotlights began to rotate and move, casting shadows across the white ceiling, and giving the entire room the impression of birds in flight. It was nothing short of magical.
    I gasped in awe and gripped my aunt’s hand, which I’d never relinquished, even tighter. Next to me, Amy breathed out an impressive curse.
    â€œOh Auntie.” I pulled her into another crushing hug. “It’s…amazing. I don’t even know what else to say.”
    â€œIt really is, Ms. Espinosa,” Amy said. There was wonder in her voice, and I saw her wipe at her eyes as we continued to stare at the ever-changing ceiling.
    â€œThank you, girls,” Aunt Tessa said. “I’m so glad you like it. I hope everyone else does too. And now, it’s about time to show it to them.”
    T HE BIG UNVEILING was even more impressive than our private showing. I wasn’t sure how it would work, trying to usher everyone into a dark room to preserve the mystery, but Aunt Tessa still had more tricks in store for us. She left me with a wink and a wave to go greet the guests as they entered. Amy went out to the grounds to find her parents and Caleb while I waited patiently, in the dark, by the side wall.
    I wished Carter, Melinda, and Jeff were able to be here for this part, but they wouldn’t arrive until later, after they’d closed the bookstore for the night. As much as they wanted to come, the unveiling was also the beginning of Homecoming, one of the busiest weekends of the year at the store. This meant actual payingcustomers—alumni and families—lots of them, not just the current students they generously entertained in the lounge on a daily basis.
    As I watched in fascination, people filtered slowly into the Auditorium’s lobby, each carrying a faintly luminescent glow-stick, giving off just enough light to guide them but not enough to ruin the surprise. When everyone was assembled, the room appeared to be full of anxious fireflies, flitting amongst each other, their quiet, curious whispers filling the room with buzz and excitement. The door opened and closed one final time and moments later a spotlight illuminated my lovely aunt. The crowd fell completely silent.
    â€œGood evening, and welcome,” she said in her practiced, resonant voice. “I’d like to thank you all again for joining us and especially for being an important part of what has made Northbrook Academy an historic and elite institution, one I am proud that my niece attends. It is my great honor to donate this permanent installation to the Academy, and my wish that it will be enjoyed and enhanced for many years to come. Without further delay, I present you with Future Flight. Enjoy!”
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