My Brother's Keeper

At some point, the door opened. Dad was home! My smile grew wider. It had been so long since I had seen him. He must have come back to celebrate my birthday!

Sure enough, I spotted a beautiful doll in his hand. Mom did not rush to greet him like she usually did. She just sat there, barely interested.

It was only when Dad walked over that she finally spoke, her voice hoarse.

"Why are you back?"

"It's Sienna's birthday, isn't it? I got a few days off, so I came home to spend time with you all. Figured I'd celebrate with her. Where is she, anyway?"

Dad looked around with a smile.

"Dad, I'm right here!" I drifted toward him, grinning. However, he did not seem to see me either.

He walked straight through me and set the doll on the table. Before Mom could answer, Danny came running out in tears.

"Dad, you have to bring her back! Mr. Osborn took her away. Mom said she doesn't want her anymore!"

Dad froze. He turned to Mom, his expression full of disbelief. "What is he talking about? You did it again!"

Anger flickered in his eyes. Mom frowned and pulled him into the bedroom.

Anxiety twisted inside me. I did not want them fighting because of me. I hurried after them, slipping through the door with my new ability. Dad stood with his hands on his hips, fury written all over his face.

"I've told you a million times. Sienna is Sienna, and Danny is Danny. Why can't you get that through your head? If Danny does something wrong, why does Sienna have to take the fall? Are you even her mother?"

Mom looked hurt under his shouting. She lowered her head, her eyes turning red. "I'm doing this for both of them! You know how much your mother spoils him. She's turned him into a brat who isn't afraid of anything!

"The only way I can discipline him is by using Sienna… Danny won't stop getting into fights. I worked it out with Mr. Osborn ahead of time. It's all an act to scare Danny. Sienna is only supposed to stay there for a couple of days. He won't actually do anything to our girl."

Relief washed over me. I knew Mom would never really abandon me. It was just like before, just a way to scare Danny. What had happened earlier had been painful, but I forgave her now.

Dad clenched his fists at her words. He stared at Mom, his whole body trembling. "Did you ever stop to think about how terrified Sienna must have been?"

His words made my nose sting. I was terrified, but I was home now. I was not scared anymore. I could be with Dad, Mom, and Danny again.

"Those two are so close. I promise this is the last time. Once Danny breaks this last bad habit, I'll make everything up to Sienna. I'll make up for all these years."

Mom's voice cracked as she spoke. She wiped at her tears, looking miserable. "Do you have any idea how much I've sacrificed for your family all these years?"

Watching Mom cry made me feel awful too. I looked down, a wave of sadness washing over me. Maybe I should not have come back.

I turned to leave. Then, I heard Dad's choked voice. "But today is Sienna's birthday..."

Silence fell.

I stood frozen. Neither of them said another word.

The air felt heavy.

"No. I can't do this." Mom stood up abruptly. "I'm going to bring Sienna back right now!"

Dad nodded at her words. As they headed for the door, I rushed forward.

"Mom, Dad, I'm already home! I'm right here!"