May McDonald's Tale

Packing

I checked, double-checked, and triple-checked my list of things I'd packed in my suitcase. My wallet, which contained seventy dollars, was in there, as well as many pairs of khaki shorts, jean capris, and cool-colored shirts. I'd also made certain that my cerulean cloth bag, which I was keeping separate, was stuffed to the brim with my favorite books. My journal with the flowers and stars on the cover was snugly at the bottom, and my fountain pen that went with it was clipped to the binding.
I was wearing khaki capris, a turquoise shirt, my metal heart necklace from my grandmother, and my new purple sneakers that were bought especially for the move. I had my green fleece jacket tied around my waist, and my hair was braided elaborately down my back. I looked up to see my mother in my doorway, smiling. "Ready?" She asked.
I nodded with relief, and we headed down the hall to my brother Leo's room. He had also checked his list many times, but he didn't need to. In fact, the minute he had written his list - which included over fifty words - he'd memorized every single one. My brother, Leo Peter McDonald, has a photographic memory. He can take one glance at a sign and, minutes later, recite the exact words and colors of the sign. By now, I figure he has over eighty logos implanted in his brain.
Leo looked at us as we walked in. His green suitcase was leaning against the foot of his bed, and his hiking boots and jacket were on the blue throw rug near the door. He was lying on his bed, earbuds in, playing a video game on his Nintendo DS. I had no idea why he'd want to keep the earbuds in. I mean, he doesn't hear the sound anyway. In fact, he has no idea what's going on around him unless he reads our lips.
Leo, my brother, is deaf. He became ill with meningitis at the age of seven, and lost his hearing as a result. Since he was so old when he got sick, he can speak perfectly well - and also read lips.
I sat next to him and told him that we need to go. When he didn't look up, I slapped my forehead in remembrance of his deafness and tapped him on the shoulder. His head snapped up in my direction, and I told him that it's departure time. He smiled and nodded, stuffing his earbuds in his pockets and his DS in his suitcase. He followed me out the door as we embarked on the journey of our life.