"So what do you think of the new baby, Kenny?"
I stood by the crib, peering through its bars at the small, tightly wrapped creature within.
"I don't like her." I whined.
"Why not??"
There were so many reasons to choose from. She smelled weird, her face was runny, and up until a few moments ago she wouldn't stop shrieking. Still, there was one obvious answer above all others.
"She's gonna get all the attention. Stupid baby. I hate her."
"Wow, that's... okay, I guess I can see how you might feel that way, but really there's nothing to be worried about. You're not going to be loved any less just because you have a new sister around!"
"I don't care." I rubbed my nose on my sleeve with a devil-may-care flourish and continued scowling at the source of my discontent.
"Well what if something happened to her? THEN how would you feel?"
"Fine."
"REALLY."
"Yup."
I didn't bother to look away from her as she slept. I already knew from experience that she'd be yowling again in no time.
"Well, what if we got rid of her? You'd be sad then, right? You'd miss her, I know it."
"I would not!" I insisted loudly, drawing a shush in response.
"Don't wake her."
"I would not." I repeated the mantra quietly, "I'd never, ever, ever miss her."
"Okay then, let's get rid of her."
I was in shock for a moment. Then, I realized it was just a clever ploy to make me change my mind and the disdain came swelling back.
"Fine."
"Alright," strong arms lifted my baby sister from the crib, careful not to jostle her, "I'm going to do it. You'd better say something if you don't want me to."
I said nothing.
"I'm seriously going to go get rid of her."
Silent still, I folded my arms and waited.
"Alright, here I go."
He slowly stepped back toward the old fireplace, watching my face for any change... for any sign of second thoughts.
The striped man backed into the fireplace and coiled his sping-like legs tightly. Then, with an almost disappointed expression, he rocketed away into the night.
Topic: New Baby (Read 8448 times)
