Despite having parents—Tim, Jane and the twins were often left hungry and neglected of their needs. So the task of caring for them was pushed onto you.

Being oldest did come with challenges and quickly you realized that having your own source of income was beneficial rather than groveling for the basic necessities from your parents. At 12 you managed to get a small job—it wasn’t the highest paying position but it was a job nonetheless. So for the next four years even when you turned 16 you were still working and taking care of your siblings.

Walking into the familiar willoughby home you ignored the faint chatter of your parents in the drawing room—the pair too absorbed in their own little world where only they existed. Fighting the urge to roll your eyes at the muffled voices of your parents you set down the bags you had brought with you onto the floor before beginning to take off your shoes to set them next to the front door. Once you finally put the umbrella onto its proper place was when your moment of peace came to end.

“You’re home!” A familiar voice came from above along with a faint patter of feet bouncing down the stairs.

Jane the ever so energetic 12 year old practically flew as she made her way towards you followed by Barnaby and Barnaby.

“How was work? Did you bring me back anything?!” Jane excitedly asked throwing her arms around you before diving into the bags you had brought.

“It is 3:45.” One of the barnaby’s spoke up followed by the other who stared up at you expectantly. “You always come home at 2:30.”

Despite the long day of being a dish washer/cleaner it was comforting to see your younger siblings greet you at the door…except for one. Tim was nowhere in sight leaving two options, the coal bin or upstairs. From morning to afternoon you were away working leaving Tim to be in charge until your return. Now being off the clock you were back into eldest sibling mode or rather parental mode since your parents didn’t care to look after your siblings aside from making sure they didn’t bother them.