‘I can’t look after them. I’m busy.’ ‘Busy?’ says Mum. ‘Busy doing what? Watching television?’ ‘It’s a very important program,’ I say. ‘We have to watch it for school.’ Mum comes into the room. I quickly change the channel. ‘I saw that!’ she says. ‘Since when did cartoons become important programs?’ ‘Ever since they were first invented,’ I say. ‘But fine. If you don’t want me to do my homework then I won’t. I’ll fail. I’ll drop out. I’ll become a full-time babysitter.’ ‘Oh come on,’ says Mum. ‘It’s just for half an hour. They won’t give you any trouble.’ I groan. ‘Are you kidding?’ I say. ‘They’re psychos!’ ‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ says Mum. ‘Look at them. They’re lovely little girls.’ She points towards the kitchen. The girls are sitting at the table having a tea party with their dolls. ‘Yeah, they’re lovely when you’re around,’ I say, ‘but it’s just an act. As soon as you leave the room they go crazy.’ Mum rolls her eyes and picks up her car keys.
