A Day in Life as Karen Doughty

When I first arrived in the countryside of Cloverleaf Corners, it was hard to get used to my new life. Everything was somewhat different from the rustic wood feeling of the Hopscotchs’ House to the homeschool program. But, my parents were low on resources and had a giant project going on. I didn’t want to worry them over smaller matters like how to turn hot and cold water on.

Over the course of time and help from my brother David and my new friends, my life here is all I am used to. Everyday, I usually get up by the time the sunlight is gently basking on the windows. I quietly make up the armchairs into their spots, taking care not to create too loud of a racket.

Then, I swab a bit of toothpaste around for good teeth health. Mrs. Choch is such a caring critter, and she always makes sure there is breakfast already the night before. (My personal favorite is a slice of pound cake with very very light tea).

Everyone always says I’m such a bright and intelligent girl, but I try to stay modest. I can spend a good chunk of time learning academically, especially if it’s reading! Today, I pulled up my favorite book of all time: The Book of Needlework. It was published by a Sylvanian author by the name of Eleanor Brambles. Eleanor Brambles was renowned for her family’s pizza business. So warm, lavished with toppings, and a world famous tomato sauce base! But, in her free time away from the pizzeria she was a gifted writer and needleworker. I found myself cozying up in the living room armchair by the windows nose deep in the pages. David then stirs, greets me, and makes his way to use the toilet. His clumsy racket wakes Bellia, though she is usually an early riser herself. Mrs. Choch, a natural early riser just like me, comes down from the stairs.

“Good morning, Mrs. H. Choch,” I greet respectfully.

“Good morning, mother!” Bellia halfshouts.

“Oh, good morning, Karen. I see you’ve already finished breakfast yourself and set the table for me. You’re such a nice girl,” she praises. “Make sure David gets some food, too.” It is true. I always set the table when I am up as early as today. I love looking at the Hopscotchs’ Country Kitchen plate and cup set. The light green perfectly complements the clean white.

Mrs. H. Choch makes her way to the dining table, helping herself to another slice of pound cake and a cup of tea. Bellia, meanwhile, heads for an early shower. Mr. Hopscotch comes down the stairs shortly afterwards, also praising the table I set.

“Thank you,” I modestly say. The couple, a very happy one, share a breakfast of conversation and warm food. I decide that it’s probably best to go read up on the balcony and leave them in their privacy.

I am well into chapters when Bell and Skip turn about in their bunk beds, arising in a good mood.

“Morning, Karen,” they both bid, before Bell additionally remarks, “Ooo, a good book choice, indeed!”

Before I know it, I can see Mr. Hopscotch heading to work from the high balcony. Mrs. H. Choch kisses him on the cheek before handing him a small mint green plate with a strawberry coated donut. He gets into the blue car, and drives away.

The door to the Deluxe Village House is an old one that has stood for a long long time. The Hopscotch-Choch couple has lived in it for a very very long time, and made their own arrangements. Mrs. H. Choch designed some floral curtains, while Mr. Hopscotch picked out the various matching furniture. But, the door has always been as it is. For that reason, it always makes a peculiar noise when opened and closed. I hear it again as Mrs. H. Choch makes her way back inside the house. I can also hear the clatter of pots, spoons, and the sink water going on through the thinner floorboards and balcony door’s windows. The colder autumn winds force me inside before long; I cannot bear the wind whipping at my facial furs and the pages of my book. I lose them all the time!

Before long, lunch is served. Mrs. H. has whipped up a scrumptious lunch of boiled flour staple and a wonderful baked squash lathered with carrot stew. Skip almost leaps into his chair with a rumbling stomach.

Mr. H. Choch comes inside just after parking the car, on time for lunch at home as always. I am still full from such a thick slice of pound cake as I have always had a smaller appetite.

“Oh, do eat something, Karen. The winter months are supposed to be colder and you need self sufficient body heat!” Bellia urges a little too loudly before pushing a lemon tart in my paws. She is a sweet girl, but the strength she has is almost unbelievable!

I nibble it down, and then proceed with a shower. It’s about the time that the Tuxedo Cats will start using the bathroom to shower and swab toothpaste, so I want to avoid the crowd. Before I do so, I try to help Mrs. H. Choch with the babies upstairs.

“Ooo, Ka-rin,” Honey giggles with bright black eyes. I shrug it off. Who am I to constantly nag at a baby?

I feed Honey, Hopper, and Henry a bit, and find the charm to entertain them with the departure of Mr. Hopscotch in his car.

“Vroom, vroom,” Hopper sputters out sloppily.

“That’s a car. They go vroom vroom,” I inform them matter of factly. Honey yawns. Whether it’s from my formal voice or a long half day is up for debate.

The babies go to sleep in a light blanket so easily. Henry and Grace are tucked in for a nap.

“Big girls don’t nap!” Grace protests, almost stamping her little foot.

“Now, now, Grace. Everyone needs their sleep. And just think about the good example you’ll set for Honey and Hopper. You know how much they follow you.”

“Hmm…” Grace pondered, before snuggling up with her pink blanket on the basis that it would be a good example for her younger siblings.

I smile at the warm innocent sight, before the loud door swings open again. The Tuxedo Cats are about here, and I don’t want to get in their way. I decided that it’s best to go outside. Any critter needs some daily fresh air! Mrs. H Choch sees me out the door, and sprints up to me with an apron slightly caked with flour. I know upon familiarity that she’s baking biscuits again. With such a big family, Mrs. H. Choch always ensures there is enough in her woven green basket no matter what.

“Oh, Karen! I must have gone over the time. I was baking biscuits and realized I forgot to leave enough time for dinner! Here, take this tart cake to trade for some proper bread at the Tuxedo Cats. I was going to serve it for Sunday dessert, but dinner is more important.”

Very happy with the special privilege given to me, I make my way to the Tuxedo Cats’ house next door. The tart cake is given to me on a large plate that I hold in my hands carefully. Only Mason Tuxedo Cat is still left working at the Bakery Starter Set; his wife and children have all gone to shower and brush their teeth.

“What can I get you today, young Karen?” He turns around from the small wooden workstation near the oven. His apron is caked with flour, too.

“Oh, just some bread appropriate for dinner. Mrs. H. Choch gave me this tart cake to exchange for.”

“I see. A fresh one. We always get the pre baked ones. I can give you a few loaves of bread for that with free delivery,” he chuckles, knowing free delivery just means carrying the heavy basket next door.

“Sure,” I say as Mr. Tuxedo is already selecting some nice crusted breads with his tongs. He hoists a big amount up the Deluxe Village House’s stairs. Mrs. H. Choch and him exchange a few polite words, before he heads up for his own shower, too.

“Oh, look at this lovely extra bit of bread he gave us for his family’s showers,” Mrs. H. Choch appreciates the rabbit shaped beard, dog shaped bread, panda shaped bread, and flower shaped bread Mason has thrown in.

That night, dinner is served primarily of fresh baked bread and a quickly made up carrot stew after Mr. Hopscotch returns home. Bread dipped in carrot stew tastes delicious!

“This tastes delicious,” David praises with a mouthful of mushy bread. “David!” I point out his rude manners. How could he talk with a mouth full?! Skip merely replies, “It sure is,” with an equal lack of properness.

All is well, though, as everyone in the house begins their nighttime routines. The babies have already finished their dinner after waking up, so Bell and Bellia get to bathe them. Myself and David swab our mouths with toothpaste.

Mrs. H. Choch finishes cleaning the rest of the dishes as Mr. Hopscotch enjoys a warm cup of coffee in the Deluxe Living Room.

Finally, the sky darkens lastingly as I make up the armchairs and close my eyes to sleep. A beautiful starnight casts across the window.