The rain gently knocks against the window next to me as I flip through the television channels. The cartoon channels, the sports channels, the news channel…

“Breaking news!” The words grab my attention like a kid grabbing candy. My little sister, Lina hops into the room, jumping over the couch and landing right next to me. “The MoonStone has been stolen! Alexa, please come on screen and explain this tragedy!” The middle aged news host says. An unnaturally attractive woman walks on screen and starts explaining. “A masked figure stole the precious rock, the security guard, Luna Harold in pursuit with hopes to retrieve it. Sadly, as seen on this footage, Luna takes quite a fall after this masked figure takes a sharp turn. Luna Harold is currently being questioned for further information. Now, back to you, Mark.”

I shut off the television before I can react any further. Lina looks at me with a confused and scared look. I fix her sloppy braid and say,

“Oh, calm down. The news only tells lies. We’ll be fine.” I almost say that in the form of a question. That’s because it is a question. Just not one I’m planning on saying out loud.

“Phyllis, the MoonStone was stolen.” I say, stepping into the room of my adoptive mother. Her big brown eyes fill with worry, her skinny body starting to tremble. “Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll sort it out…” I mutter, the guilt of worrying her passing over me.

“I sure hope you’re right about that.” She mumbles as she continues folding towels. Lina comes hopping in, and asks in the most adorable voice,

“Whatcha talking about?” I look to Phyllis for guidance, but she looks away. I force together an answer so dumb I’d think even Lina wouldn’t believe it. But her unconditional trust in me makes her believe. It makes me sad to think I lie to her this much. Her wispy platinum, almost white hair falls out of her braid as she jumps around with a smile, her two front teeth currently growing in, one obviously bigger than the other.

"Really?" she presses.

I sigh and help Phyllis fold the towels, ignoring Lina. I pretend I didn’t hear her, and soon she leaves the room.

I don’t know why I feel so much relief now that she’s out of the room.