The Love of a Sister

That afternoon, I busied myself with organizing my room while Mom took Marcus to the doctor for a checkup.

“Lindy?” Mom called.

I paused in my sorting through shirts and sweaters and answered, “Yes, Mom?”

“I’ll be back in about an hour, okay? Keep tidying your room, and don’t forget to let Sunny back in soon. It’s getting hotter and she shouldn’t be out long.”

“Okay, Mom, I’ll remember. Bye!” I shouted.

“Bye, Lindy.” I heard the front door’s signature creak as Mom left the house.

Humming to myself, I turned back to my sorting. It’s been forever since I’ve gone through everything, I thought. I should give some of this to the thrift store.

An hour later, I sat back, surveying my work. I had gone through every single one of my dresser drawers, and a pile of “donate” clothes proved it. Jumping up, I ran to the kitchen for a bag to put them all in. Stuffing the pile into it, I dropped it next to the door to take to the thrift store the next day.

Going back into the kitchen, I suddenly remembered about Sunny. “Oh, Sunny! I’m so sorry I forgot you!” I exclaimed, pulling open the screen door. Poor Sunny came dragging in, looking very hot and droopy. Quickly filling a bowl with cool water, I sat next to her, rubbing her off with a towel. I’ll never forget about Sunny again, I promised myself.

Mom and Marcus arrived home a few minutes later, followed by Dad. 

“Hi, Dad!” I said, giving him a hug.

“Hey, Lindy. How was your day?” Dad asked.

I shrugged. “Good. I got rid of a bunch of clothes. I put them by the door, Mom. Can we go to the thrift store tomorrow so I can donate them?”

Mom shook her head. “No, Marcus has an appointment with a specialist tomorrow, and we’re leaving before school is over. Maybe next week, though.”

Looking at Marcus, Dad asked, “How are you, Marcus?”

“Fine.”

“Lindy, please set the table for dinner,” Mom directed. “Marcus, I want you to make sure the living room is tidy.”

Mom had had dinner nearly ready before she left, so the four of us soon sat down to a delicious meal.