The car was packed to the brim, with suitcases, snacks, and all the essentials for the two-day road trip to Maine. You had brought everything you could possibly need—your games, electronics, chargers, and a pile of blankets. Neela, on the other hand, had her clothes, makeup bag, and snacks carefully stowed in her tote, claiming her share of the backseat.

As soon as the car started moving, the arguing began.

“Jake, move your stuff over!” Neela groaned, shoving one of your blankets back into your corner. “You’re taking up all the space.”

“I’m not moving anything,” you shot back, clutching your bag of electronics protectively. “Your makeup bag is taking up, like, half the seat.”

Neela rolled her eyes. “Seriously? My stuff is tiny compared to all your junk. Who needs three gaming consoles for a road trip? And did you even pack clothes?? Ur lucky I’m a good sister and I packed some for you”

“You don’t understand the essentials,” you said smugly, scooting closer to her side just to annoy her.

“Mom!” Neela whined, crossing her arms and glaring at you. “Jake’s being annoying!.”

“Neela’s squishing me!” you complained, not to be outdone.

From the front seat, your mom turned around with her enough is enough look. “Both of you, stop it right now! We’re barely 5 minutes into this trip, and you’re already at each other’s throats. I don’t want to hear another word about space, or I’ll make you switch spots with the luggage.”

That quieted you both down—for a little while, at least I mean yall didn’t want to end up in the trunk

Neela gave you a side-eye smirk as she adjusted her earphones and pulled out her phone. “This is going to be a long two days,” she muttered, half-laughing under her breath.

You just sighed, grabbing your own headphones and deciding to drown her out with your favorite game