Journal #3- Chapters 8-9 (Miss Maudie Atkinson)

Dear Diary,

It’s freezing. I can’t believe how cold it is! It hasn’t been this cold since 1885! Considering I was not alive at that time, I am freezing. I’m really absolutely perplexed as to what makes it so cold, especially in Maycomb, Alabama.

The craziest things happen when it’s cold. First, it started snowing. In Maycomb, Alabama! It never snows here! Everyone was baffled at just that. Everyone had gone home, snuggled up in their warmest clothes, lit all fireplaces, and completely isolated in their houses. I had done the same; I had my heavy, thick, fuzzy coat on (the one I used to take to New York in the winter), and I had sat down in my bed with one of my favorite books. All the sudden, I smelled something strange, like burning plastic or rubber. I lazily dragged myself from my comfy bed downstairs to make sure everything was alright. As the smell got stronger and I got very acquainted with the smell (it had turned into more of a bonfire smell, rather than just the burning rubber), I started quickening my pace, just in case. I started thinking about all the different flues I had lit, and got worried. When I arrived in the kitchen, I saw a decent-sized, glorious, somewhat ingenuous fire burning my whole kitchen. I started to panic. I grabbed my arms, and stood there for a couple seconds, unaware that if I didn’t move, I’d be burned alive. Once I came to my senses, I because frantic, fanatical, and crazy. I ran around my house like a madwoman. I burst out my front door to find myself lying in the freezing snow. I’d tripped on the front steps and face-planted into the snow. I lifted myself up and ran to Mr. Avery, who had heard my screams (ones which I was unaware I had belted) and came to see what was the matter.

“It’s eating my house! The fire! Please stop it!” I involuntarily pleaded to him. He ran inside after he called some of the other men in the neighborhood to come help. After that, I just sat there, I was in a sort of trance and I was stuck there for quite a while. Once I regained complete consciousness, I strolled to the sidewalk and just stood there. A million thoughts went through my head at that moment. I didn’t really know what to think: should I be mourning, crying, screaming, happy, crazy, I had no idea. After a few minutes of men going in and out of my house, carrying different belongings of mine: a stack of books, my recipe books, blankets, and a couple men towed out my bedroom dresser. I saw Atticus Finch bring out my old oak rocking chair, that’s when I realized this was not all that bad. I figured I’d loose some of my belongings, my house (which I loathed), and some money to pay for the losses, but I’d get along fine. I’d be able to rebuild myself a nice new house with everything just the way I’d like it.

I turned to see Jem with his arms around Scout, trying to keep her warm, over in front of Radley Place. I watched her push his arms away and franticly rubbed her arms to warm them up. Arthur Radley quietly walked up behind her and placed a thick blanket on her shoulders. She didn’t seem to notice, she didn’t turn around, but the color did seem to come back to her face as she warmed up.

When the fire was almost out, I walked over to Jem and Scout, who were still standing there at almost 2 o’clock. Scout was wondering why I didn’t look sad, and I told her simply because I was happy I would get a new house. She seemed confused, as I suspected she would be. Then she asked how it started. I hadn’t thought about that. I told her I guessed it was the open flue, but I wasn’t sure.

Well, the whole affair was crazy and mind boggling and insane and sad, but I think everything will be alright.

It’s been a crazy day,
Miss Maudie Atkinson