Myocardium

It's Saturday, finally. 

Then again, what is there for me to look forward to other than not needing to bear this hell called college for a meagre two days?

I'm ripped out of slumberland by my siblings, who have decided that it's fun to annoy me by jumping around on my bed like two feral monkeys with rabies. 

What a great way to start my day.

"Morning, guys," I mumble drowsily and rub my eyes as a deep, heartful yawn emerges from my lungs. Both of them bid me a good morning too and throw themselves onto the mattress next to me. 

Why do these two need to be so overly goofy and excited? It's not that I mind the enthusiasm, but is it really necessary, so early in the morning? 

Since it's pouring in bucket all day, my siblings and I don't get around to do much except stay in and chill out for most of the day. However, despite the uninviting weather, the dread of going grocery shopping still lingers. Plus, playing in the mud is one of Daisy's all-time-favourite things to do, so I might as well give her what her pure heart yearns for. 

As for myself, as much as I like this type of weather because it has its way of comforting me, sometimes it intensifies my bad mood and only wreaks crankiness inside of me. 

While I'm writing our shopping list, I ask Sasha, who's sitting on the sofa and watching some cartoons if he wants to tag along to the grocery store. I'm giving him the choice to stay this time, but all my little brother does is smile and sigh, "Is it okay if I come with you? I don't really want to stay here all by myself." 

While explaining, he turns to seek confirmation by looking over the sofa's backrest, right at where I peek my head out of the kitchen and nod at him approvingly.

"Of course, I always appreciate the company," I reply and give him a much-saying smile. 

Sometimes, I am left hoping that my little brother is doing okay. While we do talk about what happened, I can only imagine what must be going on in his own head. Lord knows our past fucked me up enough, and I am praying it will never have the same effects on Sasha or Daisy. 

When we leave for the store, I'm once again reminded of how lucky I am for having two siblings who actually get along with each other. I myself am the best example of how people Sasha's age aren't always nice to their siblings. Him and I used to quarrel a lot when we were younger. This is why it fills my heart with joy and pride, seeing how much he values and cares for his little sister.

As I'm putting our necessities into our cart, Sasha and Daisy are walking around nearby, inspecting various items on the shelves and being their usual, giggly selves. Of course, I make sure to keep an eye out for them in order to avoid any trouble, but I do trust my brother enough to know that he will take care of our sister at all cost. After returning from another aisle to fetch some flour, I spot an elderly man walking right up to my siblings. 

At an instant, the interaction catches my full attention and makes me suspicious of the man's behaviour. I'm preparing myself to beat him to a pulp if he mentions something about candy or them coming with him. 

Neither of those scenarios ever sets in though. 

"What are you two doing here all alone? Isn't your mommy with you?" He approaches them, causing Sasha to hastily take a step forward and shove his little sister behind him protectively.

My brother's reaction startles the man, he frowns. The kids must seem a bit scared. They're on guard, just how I taught them to be. We've grown up like this, all three of us. 

Always alert. 

Always cautious. 

Never blindly trusting other people.