I dash out of the gate and slow down, taking in the steep road leading to the pier and Long Beach downtown. We live on the outskirts, but the view is genuinely picturesque (unless, of course, you fear falling off a cliff into the sea). The gray sky drapes like a veil over the fields, accompanied by the cries of seagulls soaring overhead. In the distance, on the other side of the city, a lighthouse appears as if crashing into the sea.

The salty wind playfully tousles my red hair, and I'm relieved I didn't bother with any styling (Like I ever did! Ha ha ha, my hair hasn't seen a comb since school, and it's been a good five years!).

The air here is invigorating! If this city weren't so small and desolate, maybe I wouldn't dream of leaving it. But with my family in our humble little house...

I glance back at the two-story house behind me. The roof is slightly slanted, and the white and blue paint has chipped in some places. Clearly, the salty winds aren't doing it any favors.

I walk down to the pier, where boats sway gracefully on emerald waves. The sea seems restless today as if hinting at an impending storm. From the wooden pier, I make my way to the cobbled square, where more people are bustling about, and the houses appear better maintained. As I head towards the store, I swing the door open with force and... collide with a tall guy stepping out.

"Hey!" I exclaim indignantly. The guy before me wears a shirt and dress pants, and he has that definite "coxcomb" vibe. Most likely, he's someone with his own yacht. His hair is slicked back, and he sports a black metal stud earring and a massive ring on his finger - a coxcomb he is! And there's a paint stain on his light shirt...

Kids, remember: the best defense is a good offense!

Before the guy can notice the unexpected design change, I subtly push him aside and make my way inside. But he jerks me back abruptly.

"What the hell?!" I snap, feeling the heat of annoyance.

The guy silently points at his shirt, his eyes filled with indignation and anger, but his lips remain tightly shut. Is he mute?

"What? You bumped into me!" I protest.

Once again, the guy throws his hands up in an indignant gesture as if saying, "Can you believe this?" I suddenly feel a tinge of embarrassment... Time to dial down my arrogance a notch.

Okay, kids, forget what I said! Sometimes offense is not the best defense.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't see where I was going. But you weren't looking either, ok? I don't have a handkerchief, but I can wash your shirt. I think..." I say, chuckling involuntarily.

The stranger rolls his eyes slightly and gives me a displeased look that sends a clear message, "What can you offer me?" Then he turns around and leaves. I remain rooted to the floor. That was unpleasant. He didn't utter a word, but somehow, it felt like he made a final call!

Douchebags with yachts! I hate them!

In a jumble of emotions, I manage to make my way into the store and gather the groceries from the list. That leaves me penniless... And then I carry the heavy bags back to the house.

Oddly enough, Melinda is still lingering at the bottom of the porch. I no longer bother asking about her boyfriend - I have no strength for another argument with my sister, who never had problems with words. I'm already sweating profusely from carrying groceries up here.

"I forgot to mention, our doorman decided to take a cliff dive, so now we have self-service," I quip sarcastically as I pass her.

"Well, you could help older sister like a good brother," I hear her retort, dripping with spite.

"And my sister could have asked nicely, and it wouldn't kill her. I'm almost sure."

"Well, pleeeeeaseeee," Melinda grimaces, but I let it slide.

"Okay," I shove the bags into her hands and grab the suitcases. Just then, the door swings open, and mom appears on the threshold, hands on her hips.

"What takes him so..." she begins to grumble, but her expression changes as she notices Melinda with the bags and me with the suitcases. "Oh, Melinda! My joy!" Mom exclaims, running down the steps to embrace her. "And you brought food, too! You're such a thoughtful girl! Not like this bum!" She waves dismissively in my direction, and Melinda shoots me a sarcastic smile.

"Yes, mommy," Melinda replies with feigned tenderness. "It was hard, but I didn't want to come empty-handed."

"Oh, my dear, your presence alone is reason enough to celebrate! Alex, come on, bring the suitcases inside!"

Todd appears in the doorway, sporting a multi-colored T-shirt that looks like it was taken right out of Woodstock (which my brother couldn't attend, he is only 28). He waves to Melinda, and his bracelets clank noisily around his wrists, making him seem like a walking New Age jewelry store.

"Oh, my God! I thought you left for Mars long ago to dance with the nymphs," Melinda exclaims.

Todd rolls his eyes at her as if she just said something utterly ridiculous, and Stacey peeks out from behind him.

"Everyone knows that nymphs are on Venus!" Stacey sticks her tongue out at Melinda playfully.

"Oh, who is there grew up so much!" Melinda responds, touched.

"The second Jackson Pollock no less," I grumble, glancing down at my paint-stained jeans. "Can someone help me already?!"

But they all hide behind the door, leaving me alone on the doorstep.

"What kind of family is that?!" I shout out, feeling like I'm talking to the seagulls.

Dragging those damn suitcases inside, I toss them in the hallway, stomp angrily up the stairs, and slam the door so hard that the windows rattle. And then I see my notes splattered with paint!

"Stacey! Damn it!" I curse. Stupid! How could I forget to lock the room?!

I yank off my shirt and try to wipe the paint off my jeans, but it only seems to make things worse. I slump back into my chair, determined to compose the most powerful song, full of hatred and despair...

"Alex! Dinner!" Mom's voice echoes loudly. I quickly get up from my seat, step out, lock the room with a key, and head downstairs. Though I'm angry with them, hunger gnaws at me like a wolf, and if there's one thing mom knows how to do better than anyone else, it's cooking. My mouth waters as I descend the stairs. The seats at the table are already taken, so I squeeze in between Todd and the windowsill and settle next to Melinda.

"Today, my dear girl has finally arrived, and we can all congratulate her on her engagement!" Mom exclaims happily, her eyes brimming with tears that fall onto her apron. Melinda looks away. "Let's raise our glasses!" Mom glances around, but I think we all, including Stacey, understand what mom fails to comprehend. "And celebrate..."

"Mom, we broke up," Melinda manages to say, avoiding her gaze. Oh, I almost feel sorry for her despite her sarcasm.

"What do you mean 'broke up'? You're confusing the words, baby. You meant to say 'paired up' because you paired up! Like puzzle pieces, perfectly fitting together, right, Todd?" Mom seeks support from Todd, but he turns to Stacey and starts putting her mashed potatoes, even though she didn't ask for it. "But how..." Mom sits down, and disappointment slowly takes over. "But what about... I invited all my friends! This can't be! You can't! Broke up! How?! Like Aunt Polly's skirt?! I thought that... So, I'm a terrible mother?! No... It's all because of your father! Am I a terrible father?!"

Silently, everyone serves themselves and starts eating. Melinda nibbles on a sesame seed bun. "Mom, no one died," she weakly attempts to reason, but it only fuels mom's emotions further.

"No one died?! All my dreams have died!" Mom exclaims.

"Well, maybe you should have married him then?!" Melinda exhales in frustration and leaves the table. I start contemplating how to make my own exit when my phone rings. I walk into the corridor to answer the call.

"Hello, Alex!" This is the barmaid from the 'Three Men' bar downtown. Everyone says it was named after the three founders. "We have an opening tonight; will you come to entertain the audience?"

"Yes, of course!" I respond eagerly. Anything to get away from here! Plus, they'll pay me for it.

"Then be here in 15 minutes. Ciao."

"Uh... 15 minutes?!" I exclaim.

I sprint upstairs to get my guitar, change my shirt in a hurry, grab the guitar, and dash back out into the corridor. Just then I remember about the guitar case and come back. I almost stumble and nearly fall down the spiral staircase. Rushing past my mother, I only manage to shout on the threshold, "I'm off to perform. Bye, everyone!" And with that, I leave my bewildered family behind.