Mother glared at me. Georgie looked like she was going to cry. Dad didn't look.
"Come on, Georgie," Mother said, taking Georgie by the hand and out the door. "Let's get an ice cream."
She's not a kid, I shouted in my head. The door slammed shut. Dad and I didn't move. The air was thick and swirly around our ankles, creeping up our legs, threatening to destroy us. Ha! That was a great cliche. That made me at least smile and forget for a split second that Georgie defected to the enemy's side.
What now? I wanted to ask Dad. I peeked at him. He had sagged into himself, using the counter as support.
"The money..." he stopped and sagged some more.
I couldn't watch him shrink into himself anymore.
I walked outside and away.
From what?
I just walked with whatever I wanted to leave behind inside of me.
The sky was dark. I looked up and saw that clouds had taken over the sky. Dark clouds. Like my mood.
Dark.
Ready to rain.

Why did adults have to act like kids?
The question slapped itself around my head. Why do I have to be the grownup sometimes? I asked myself in the reflection of our swimming hole.
My feet had carried me back home.
Home.
That's a joke.
I looked at the house. It was dark. I knew dad was home because I passed the garage window when I was walking to the backyard; his car was there. No noise came from inside. Surely Dad wouldn't give any money to Mom.
Guilt stabbed at my heart. Dad worked hard and long hours. He didn't get very good jobs because he's had to quit so many times on account of me. I was determined that we would stay here this time.
No more deaths.
The only problem with that? No more friends. I rose and made my way to the kitchen to call my friend and breakup with her and her brother.