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.