Journal May 3
I tried to sleep in this moring but it was to no avail. That's one thing I miss about the States. I had my own room and didn't have to worry with everyone coming and going. I was able to set my course schedule so I could sleep in and not have to wake early. When I woke this morning I was a bit of a grump and left without so much as a word. I really hope I didn't offend Michael.
Since I had to get up anyway, I decided to head into the old neighborhood. It's a good thing I stopped at the bakery near the flat since the old neighborhood is practically deserted. The old football field has grown over and the nearby swings are all rusted out. I was kicking a rock around when Tina, one of the girls I used to know, walked up with a baby on her hip. When I went to greet her she slapped me. Seems that soon after my parents left there was a rash of burglaries in the area. Not only that, but there were murders. Seems that Randall and Keith were both killed within weeks of my folks leaving. There were notes left with both bodies pointing at my family as the cause.
Guess it was a good thing I never went back before now. I'd have probably been lynched on the spot. Just about everyone that could moved away. Her mother died leaving Tina to care for her drunkard father and three little sisters which trapped her with the memories while those who could got out. James comfortered her for awhile, even left her with a little one, before he too was able to work his way out.
I wonder how many other Muggle neighborhoods were torn to shreds by the war and left in turmoil? Luna said something about wanting to reach to those still rebuilding. I wonder if she's given any thoughts to the Muggle neighborhoods?