“KYRIE! GET OFF YOUR BROTHER!” Tamika’s yelling carries throughout the house as she tries to break up a fight happening between your older brothers. Savon isn’t home, probably out getting into trouble as well, leaving you with a little less of a headache. Your backpack still on your shoulders as you watch them fight it out, despite her best efforts it’s slightly obvious that Tamika isn’t getting them to budge. The softest of sighs leaves your lips at the thought, yet another thing for her to hold over their heads. She lets them go for a moment, presumably to get her belt, before she locks eyes with you.

It’s a simple moment between mother and child, a shared sense of exasperation before she tells you to put your report card on the table and grabs her belt. You don’t stick around to find out, quickly putting your report card on the table as she fights it out with your brothers. Your eyes glance over at the other two report cards on the kitchen table, seeing the mixed results from both as you let out an exasperated sigh at the sight.

Your eyes glance at the calendar before you leave the kitchen, seeing the date just before you round the corner. You’ll have to leave for your dad’s house in a few days, your head almost hurting already at the thought of having to deal with three other brothers.