The first day of autumn break, I slept like a log. Early in the morning, someone knocked on my bedroom door several times and left. I heard those sounds through my sleep, but I ignored them, so eager was I to rest. Realizing that the vacation had begun, I completely relaxed."Lilac, get up, it's already morning outside! Wake up!" finally called my mom."Let me sleep just one more day," I groaned, hiding my head under the pillow. "These are my well-deserved days off.""And who gives me a day off?" sighed my mom. "I've been working from morning till night all my life without a break.""Just one day, I'm begging for just one day," I pleaded. "Tomorrow I'll wake up early and do everything you ask.""Fine, just for today," she conceded. "Tomorrow you'll get up at six in the morning. And try not to go back on your word."I muttered something unintelligible and fell back asleep. When I finally woke up, it was closer to noon. I stretched, feeling pleasantly light, and slowly got out of bed.There was no one in the house. Walking into the kitchen, I took food from the fridge and warmed it up. The sun was shining brightly outside. If not for the small puddles sparkling like bits of mirror in the sun, I would have doubted that it had rained yesterday.Sitting by the window, I started eating, occasionally glancing outside. Suddenly, Adam appeared in the yard. He was heading towards the stable, holding buckets of water in his hands. A little girl about five years old in a yellow jumper and denim overalls trailed behind him."Brother, can I see the horses?" I heard a thin, childish voice."No, find something else to occupy yourself with," Adam firmly replied. "Don't follow me.""But Mom promised to show me the horses yesterday," the little girl persisted, her face turning offended."Izada, don't be capricious. Remember, we're in someone else's house," he reminded her, giving her a stern look."Then I want to go home," she cried. "Why can't we go home? I don't like it here. I'm going home," she said and stomped off somewhere.Adam sighed heavily and set the buckets down on the ground, preparing to follow his little sister.I tapped on the window to get his attention. Surprise reflected in his eyes. Opening the small window, I stuck my head out and said, "You can show her the horses. You have my permission."He shook his head. "Thank you, but it's not necessary.""Why?" I asked, surprised."If I always give in to her wishes, she'll become spoiled.""How are you going to persuade her, then?" I propped my chin on my hand and looked at him."I'm not," he replied indifferently and, leaving the buckets in the middle of the road, followed in the direction his sister had run off to.Finishing my lunch quickly, I went outside. Izada was squatting behind the neighboring house, drawing something on the soft, post-rain soil, holding a dirty stick in her hands. Looking around, I saw Adam standing around the corner of the house. Seeing me, he put his finger to his lips, signaling me not to speak. After making sure his sister was okay, he quietly turned and left.I cautiously approached the little girl and sat down next to her. She looked at me fearfully, tears still shining in her eyes."What happened? Why are you crying?" I asked gently."Who are you?" she asked in surprise instead of answering."My name is Lilac. I'm your neighbor," I replied, pointing in the direction of my house. "I live over there.""And I live here," she turned around and patted the wall of the house, saying Izada."I know," I smiled, seeing her proud look. "So can I find out why you're crying?""I don't like it here," she said, wiping away tears."Why?" I pretended to be surprised."Mom is always busy, and my older brother is always angry with me," the little girl drew an oval on the ground and, looking at it, added: "He's mean." With these words, she poked the stick at the drawing."You're drawing your brother?" I barely stifled a laugh.The girl nodded, looking reproachfully at the drawn oval."And where are his eyes, nose, and mouth?" I asked cheerfully."He doesn't have them," she shrugged."Why not? Everyone should have a face.""Mom says dishonest people don't have a face.""You're right," I barely held back laughter and nodded knowingly."He doesn't let me do anything," disappointment sounded in the girl's voice."What would you like to do?" I leaned toward her."Look at the horses," she suddenly raised her head and looked at me hopefully."Okay, let's go," I said, getting up.Izada stared at me in amazement."Are you coming?" I asked, smiling."Really?" she jumped to her feet in astonishment. I took her hand and led her along.