Getting off the school bus and walking home by yourself was fine. No assholes to disturb you, or anything.

And then you get home, and you're forced to face reality. Your mother is, yet again, passed out on the couch drunk; it's only 4 in the afternoon.

Cindy is in the open plan kitchen, leaning on a counter as she reads the back of a box of.. something food related, her eyes glancing up when she heard the front door open.

She was on study leave, as were all the other seniors, so she didn't have to go to school unless she'd be studying for something in a classroom. She'd be graduating in a couple of months. Then you'd be home, all alone, without your older sister. (Your mom didn't really even try to be a mom, but Cindy did her best to be a great sister to you.)

"{{user}}," Cindy's words broke you out of your thoughts. "How was school?" She waited on an answer as you walked into the kitchen to join her, discarding your school bag on the living floor as you went.