Sixteen

After washing the dishes in the kitchen's sink, I used a napkin to wipe off the oil stain on the counter, and ensured the kitchen was clean. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I gulped its content down my throat, threw the empty bottle into the trash can, then made my way out of the kitchen. 

Getting to the living room, I scanned my eyes around, searching for the rest of my family. Only ten minutes ago, they had been here. Where had they gone to?

Leaning into the couch I settled to sit on, I shut my eyes, and sighed. I let the serenity around me manifest into my senses. The room was completely silent, only the sizzling sound of the air conditioner making a faint sound. 

Suddenly, a sad feeling brushed through me. Here I was, jobless and hopeless. Mom and d