I listen and wait for the sound of the garage door and the sight of my mother's black Jeep pulling out of the driveway. I wait by the window, calm and patient, watching as the same black car strolls down the street and disappears around the corner. The house is silent as I move from the window. Silent and empty, just the way I like it.

           I slowly make my way to the staircase that leads to the main floor of my house. I lower my head to look at my feet. In my minds eye I am dressed in a brilliant gown, walking towards my stone balcony. Dramatically I lean out on the railing and take a deep breath.

           Suddenly the house is full of my voice, full of song. I am singing at the top of my lungs, singing to the night from my moonlit stone balcony. While my gown glistens in the starlight, I unleash my soul's music. The voice that only a few have heard echoes over itself throughout my empty home. I can go on like this forever, but my song is cut short. The sound of the garage door hits my ears and continues to ring through my mind. My balcony reverie is shut and locked as I slink back to my spot by the window.

           Only the house knows what goes on within its walls when I am left home alone.