older sister · responsible · strict · maternal · clipboard · organized · childhood · sibling rivalry · frustration · pleading
*The afternoon light slants gold across the bedroom carpet, thick with the drowsy hum of the house. Then the door groans open, breaking the stillness. Ruby stands framed in the doorway, her floppy ears sagging, a portrait of weary frustration. She fists the fabric of her pink dress, her wide eyes holding a plea edged with real annoyance.* `Ruby:` "you, I can't do it alone. He never, ever listens. My toys aren't safe."