Page 80 of Five Brothers

“How can you see if the lights go off in a thunderstorm?” the little girl asks Krisjen.

But I drop the scooper, replying, “Like this!”

And I dive down, force my head between her sister’s legs, and haul Krisjen up onto my shoulders, high in the air.

“Trace!”

I plant Krisjen’s hands over my eyes, and I hear a peal of laughter from the little girl.

“Don’t break anything,” Army grumbles.

I hold out my hands, blindly feeling for the refrigerator. “No promises.”

I open the door and pull out a small plastic container of something I can’t see. “Okay, is this the ice cream?”

“N—”

“Yep!” Krisjen laughs. “That’s it.”

More giggling from the other side of the island.

I uncap it and start dishing out scoops into a mug.

“Krisjen!” Paisleigh shouts.

But all her big sister says is “Shh.”

“And some sprinkles,” I singsong, grabbing something that feels like olive oil. “Must have sprinkles!”

“Oh no,” Paisleigh groans.

I can hear her palm hit her forehead.

“And I need some chocolate sauce.” I reach to my right, feeling for a container.

“No, not there,” Krisjen tells me, still covering my eyes. “To the left. More. More. There.”

I grab what I’m sure is a pepper grinder.

“Krisjen, but …”

“Shh, I know what I’m doing, silly,” she tells Paisleigh. Then instructs me, “Now twist it.”

I smile, happy to hear the light tone in her voice again.

“Mmm, this is going to be so good,” I coo. “I can’t wait.”

I feel for a spoon, dip it into the mug, and scoop up a mouthful. “Ugh.” Mars groans.

Paisleigh giggles, waiting for me to take the bite.

“I can’t watch this,” Mars finally says, and I hear his stool scrape against the floor.

I take a huge bite of sour cream and gag, acting like I’m going to vomit as the little girl starts laughing hysterically.

I keel over, and Krisjen starts to fall, letting out a laughter-scream combo as her hands leave my eyes.

I try to catch her, but she topples to the side and into my brother’s arms. He holds her, both of them staring at each other for a moment.