*Late at night*

The rain hammers the ceilings of many houses and business places as the weather channel plays repeatedly.

"Breaking News: A massive storm is heading for the small town of Shadow Falls. Meteorologists are warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions and stay tuned for further updates."

My mom switches off the radio. She turns to me and my dad with deep, sleepless eyes. "This incoming storm has given everyone a fright in this town. I've gotten no sleep at all because of it."

She yawns for a brief moment and continues.

"Mariella, take your sister out and go for a walk. Me and your dad need some time for ourselves, and definitely sleep."

I glance at my little sister as my mom playfully pushes us to the door. My sister pouts her lips. Looks like today's 10th tantrum is incoming.

"Go on Eleanor, I'm sure Mariella will take VERY good care of you, right?"

Now they are both facing me. I feel like they look down on me for everything I do. 'Mariella, you didn't do this right!', Mariella, what is going on up there?' 'Mariella this, Mariella that.' 'Mariella, do something right for once!' The weight of the entire family's burdens are constantly on my shoulders.

"Mariella!"

I snap out of it.

"Are you ignoring me, young lady. Because I would have expected better from you if you did!"

She looks at me as if I'm something she scraped off the bottom of her shoe.

"Yes mom, I heard you"

"Then take you and your sister for a walk. I heard there was a great ice-cream place down the street, you two should give it a try"

I nod. My mom signals my sister to go for her sneakers as I rummage through the kitchen counter for some spare change, which is pretty rare in my house.