*Isabella*

The sound of my sister and brother slurping on their candy rubbed me the wrong way as I navigate the dusty walkway outside. Ma and Pa had told us to just come on home once they had their candy, assuming they’d be done with their meetin’ by then. But when we walk outside of the general store, I see our parents a few paces ahead of us and rush after them, draggin’ Robert and Alice along.

“Keep it in yer mouth or else it’ll get coated in dirt,” Robert advises Alice.

“My mouth ain’t as big as yours,” she replies.

“Come on. We gotta catch Ma and Pa.” I...