I'm Tiny. At least, that's what Mama calls me. I have a sister named Ruby and a brother named Socks. They're both bigger than me. Mama's name is Quince.
"Ready or not . . ." Ruby called, pawing at the blanket in their basket. Socks ducked under further, chuckling a little.
"Here I come!"
Ruby pounced on Socks and Tiny went flying into the side of the basket. They rolled over, laughing and batting at each other.
"Socks and Ruby!" Quince called. "Get over here. Now!"
Socks and Ruby padded over to their mother.
"Yes, Mama?" Ruby said, settling down in front of her.
"You should know better than to play that rough around your brother," Quince scolded. "You could've hurt him!"
"It's not our fault he's small!" Socks snapped.
I watch from the basket. I hate being small. Socks and Ruby always push me over like I'm not there. It's not my fault I'm small, either! I would be bigger if I could! I really would!
Quince narrowed her eyes at Socks.
"It's nobody's fault, Socks. But regardless, you should be nicer to him."
"He's too weak!" Ruby cried. "He gets under our paws too much and damage has already been done before we realize he's there!"
She cut off, then continued.
"He's no fun to play with!"
"Ruby!" Quince snapped. "He's your brother. I don't want to see you roughhousing like that around him again. Understood?"
Socks and Ruby dipped their heads and said yes.
All I want is for my brother and sister to like me. Is that too much to ask for? I hope one day they do. Maybe one day.
Just maybe . . .
Socks and Ruby climbed back into the basket with the help of their mother.
"Get some rest," she ordered, giving them each gentle licks.
"Yes Mama," they all muttered.
Socks and Ruby curled up together and Tiny had to sleep alone, like always. He watched as his mother bounded away, off to do whatever she did as they slept.
Socks and Ruby leave me out of everything. I hate it. I can't tell who Mama likes more, them or me. I think it's them because they're bigger and stronger. Well I'll show them one day, all of them . . .
