"Mom, I want to go see my friends! The pool just opened."
"You can go see your friends," said Angela's mom, "But you know the rules. Are all of the chores done?"
Angela considered for a moment, then gasped. "Oh! Sorry, I forgot. Can I do that later though? Emma's already waiting for me."
Her mom shook her head. "No, sorry dear. Brad is up in his room. Take this sandwich up to him. You can leave as soon as you're done."
Angela took the sandwich on a plate and then rolled her eyes.
Her older brother's room was directly at the top of the stairs and to the right. Angela busted in without knocking. "Hey Brad."
The older boy swung around in his swivel chair upon hearing the door. "Hey Angela. I didn't think I was going to see you this morning."
"Don't you start too," his little sister said, "Mom just chewed me out for trying to leave early. Like everybody's problems need to be my responsibility. Can't I just have a day?"
Brad nodded. "Yeah. Mom can be... overly strict at times."
"Whatever, momma's boy. I never hear you arguing with the rules."
"What can I say? I'm a pushover."
"Uh-huh. Just take your sandwich." Angela shoved the saucer at him. He put it on his desk and to the side.
Angela knelt down in front of her brother and pushed her hair back and out of the way. "Just try not to take too long this time, alright?"
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Brad asked.