Aurora Magazine 2017

shrugged, looking very indifferent.

Becky scooped up the little boy in her arms and turned around to Adelaide, “I told you that if you picked on your brother we weren’t going to the park.” Adelaide looked at her and said very matter-of-fact, “You said if I picked on him at the park you’d make me come home. We aren’t at the park yet.” As soon as Preston heard what Becky said he blubbered in between sobs, “I wanna go to the paaaark!” Becky’s heart sunk at the sight of the poor little boy in her arms. Preston usually got the slanted end of Adelaide’s misgivings. He was only four years old and couldn’t understand why he couldn’t do things because of his sister. She couldn’t take one and leave the other, and she couldn’t let the girl get away with her bad behavior. But today Becky couldn’t bear hurting his feeling and reluctantly contracted her punishment. “Fine Addie, we’re still going to go. I’m not going to punish your brother for your mean- ness. But there will be a consequence for this when we get home,” Becky said as sternly as she could. “I wanna take my tea set with me,” she chirped as she scooted off of the couch and headed upstairs like nothing had happened. Becky turned her attention back to Preston and after checking him over to make sure he had come out unscathed, she carried him upstairs, to get him and his sister ready to go. Within the hour Becky had the children ready and all of the particulars they needed for the park packed and ready to go. Adelaide had managed to make it through without any other tyrant attacks on her brother. Becky took Preston’s tiny little hand and slung the huge tote bag over her shoulder full of snacks and juice and toys the children had picked out to take with them to the park she hoped that the rest of the day might still be salvaged and at least moderately uneventful. As they headed out the front door, Becky made one final attempt to urge Adelaide to behave. “Please Addie,” almost pleading, “no more trouble, and absolutely no more picking on your brother. Do you understand?” She

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