After Christmas, Leslie was helping her father, Mr Buke/ Bill, by finding things for him and accompanying him as Judy, Mrs Burke, was in the process of writing a book. As I does not really like Bill, I decided to go to Terabithia alone. However, it was not at all useful. It needed Leslie to 'make' magic appear in the mundane. I tried to make Terabithia magical, but to no avail, as I was scared that I would destroy everything by just trying to force the magic on my own. Even if I stayed at home, I would either be packed with chores or played Barbie with May Belle. Thus, I would ambled aimlessly with Prince Terrien, who was bound to be found sobbing on the pounch as he was being exiled by Bill, on the Burkes' upper field. (a picture of young Bill and Judy--age 20+)

During February, Leslie then noticed that I felt uncomfortable around Bill. After much persuasion, I decided to help Bill with his 'project'. After rendering help to Bill of a few things, I was praised by Leslie and even Bill repeatedly. I was saturated with happiness as I have finally figured out that although Bill had brains and books, there were still some things he did not know how to fix/ make. We then ripped out the boards that covered the ancient fireplace, got off the old wallpaper covering the living-room wall -- all 5 garish layers of it. At other times, we would listened to Bill's records or songs, also Leslie and I teaching Bill some of Miss Edmunds' songs and Bill teaching us some he knew. I felt really fortunate to be able to befriend such a friend with affectionate and 'cool' parents. Sometimes, I would be listening wonderingly as Bill explained things that were going on in the world. There were a few moments when Judy read to us some poetry while we were working. Although I did not really understand, I buried my head in the rich sound of the words and let myself be wrapped warmly around in the feel of the Burkes' brilliance.

After some tiring work of ripping off wallpaper, we were finally going to start on the painting of the living room. Although Leslie and I had initially wanted to paint it blue, we were thankful to have given in to gold as it turned out to be extremely beautiful. After Bill has rented a sander from Millsburg Plaza, we took off the black floor paint down to the wide oak boards and refinished them.

Judy and Bill both agreed," If we were to put rugs, it would be like putting a veil on Mona Lisa."

After some touch-up, we agreed that it was splendidly gorgeous.

" I love this room. Don't you feel the golden enchantment of it? It is worthy to be in a palace." said Leslie in great satisfaction.

I felt that it was as if I had entered a palace as the sun would slant in from the west in the late afternoon until the room was brimful of light.