The Starbucks in Illinois

I’m walking across the street in front of Target
My dad asks me if the Starbucks in Illinois are better

My thoughts come slowly
As my mind and body
Adjust to the world
After reading the rape story in Female Trouble
And listening to A Milli
Both on my iPhone

No, the Starbucks in Illinois are the same
But I think this one is a little different

Then we’re in the truck on the way home
Many hours have passed
More than I’d anticipated
But it’s no surprise
My father travels at an easy pace
He’s an overflowing spring of dawdle
That runs through my sister and I

We stop behind a yellow jeep
And I wonder if Rachel is still asleep
I feel bad for not leaving a note
But figure she would have called if she needed me

It’s past one when we get home
My mother’s asleep on the couch
And Rachel is still in bed
She’s just had a bad dream
And I give her a hug
And kiss her cheek