The Lower Rack

Ages 12-15

Chanie lifts the little book rack from the hallway floor.

The books tilt forward. She tips the rack back against her knees.

Its lower rail presses into her fingers. Above it, the bottom row is full. A second row of books lies across the first, stacked flat because there is nowhere else to put them.

Chanie takes one step toward her new room.

The top book slides toward the doorway.

She sets the rack down.

From inside the room, Shiffy moves a packing box out of her way.

"Do you need room?"

Beside her is the hallway bench. Its seat is empty.

She takes off the top book and lays it there. Another follows. Then three more.

With the top row gone, she can see the lower rail.

She curls her fingers beneath it and lifts.

Chanie puts it down and moves the rest of the books to the bench.

The bench fills. The rack is empty.

Chanie lifts it by the lower rail, turns it sideways, and carries it into the room.

Shiffy holds the packing box against the wall while Chanie passes.

At the space beside the bed, Chanie sets the rack down. One foot rests on the edge of the rug. She slides it onto the bare floor until all four feet touch.

The books are still outside.

She goes back and gathers four against her chest. The others stay on the bench.

In her room, Chanie puts the four books on the bottom row. She pushes their spines level with its front edge.

Outside, Shiffy sits at one end of the bench beside the waiting pile.

Chanie goes back for the next four. Inside the room, the first books stand in the rack.