Transvestia

As we approached our home we could see that the sky was lit up and suspected that some youngsters had started a bon fire to celebrate this evening. But as we turned the corner and finally say what was happening both of us just stared in consternation and disbelief.

Swarms of firemen were pouring streams of water in- to what remained of our apartment house. You did not have to be a fireman to know that this was going to be a total loss. Finally we noticed our landlord talking with one of the firemen and we got out of the car and walked quickly over to him.

Everyone was so excited that no comment was made as to how I was dressed and he told us what had happened. Some teenagers had started a fire which had gotten out of control because of the high winds that night and be- fore the firemen could arrive from another fire they had been called to, the entire building was in flames and all they could do was prevent it from spreading to other properties nearby.

Our apartment was totally destroyed with everything we owned but I was thankful that my briefcase with my project worksheets was safe in the trunk of the car. It represented months of work. I was not looking forward to the task of refurnishing and replacing which I knew would have to be done and was grateful that we had always carried enough insurance so that we would be in a good position financially.

We had no choice but to go to a hotel for the balance of the night and while I parked the car, Adele made in- quiries about rooms. The only thing available was a suite of three rooms which we had no choice but to accept.

"Do you ladies have any luggage?" Asked the desk clerk ringing for a bell boy. I shook my head still dazed by the recent disaster and Adele told him of the fire. He expressed his sympathy and had the boy show us to our

rooms.

I was despondent thinking about our situation..strange room, no clothes except that which we were wearing, stores closed on the weekend, and all the things we would have to do.

21