It was nice to be in the safety of her room, her sanctuary. Lucky, who had been confined to the room during the party rushed to greet her, tail wagging. Penny laughed softly, petting the faithful dog, who then went to greet Gen. Indeed, if any part of the house actually felt like a home to Penny, it was her room and being there made her breath easier.
In response to Gen's question, Penny turned to allow her sister access to the back of her gown. Like most formal gowns, the dress was difficult to put on and take off without assistance. As she waited for the help with the bodice, she began to remove her jewelry. Never before had she been so relieved to take off her party finery! Still, in the safety of her room, the evenings events were beginning to soften in her mind a bit, the terror fading like a nightmare faced with the morning light.