"Ryder, we need you to babysit," Dad said as he put on his shoes. "So keep your bedroom door open and make sure Tulip gets something to eat. Alan, Nolan, and Orchid can fend for themselves, but make sure they don't get into the Nutella because they put way too much on their sandwich."

"Got it," I said. "Can you bring me back cake?"

"No," Dad said. "I'm still mad at what you did."

"But I'm not grounded anymore," I pointed out. "And I deserve something for babysitting."

"You're not getting any cake," Dad said.

"That's rude."

Dad rolled his eyes before he and Mom left the house. It was...