I am...

I’m sitting at my desk.

School’s out.

I hear a door and running feet.

Five sets.

Some bigger, some smaller.

All little girls.

I listen to them:

Their words.

Their giggles.

The bags of Pizza Rolls and Pop-tarts.

I think about telling them no.

Dinner is in a few hours.

But that’s Mom and Dad’s job.

Mine is to look after them.

Guide them.

Hug them.

Help with homework.

Put on jammies.

Support them.

Teach through my mistakes.

I have shadows.

More than one.

They are observing.

Taking mental notes.

Of how to be.

Watching me.

I am careful.

Always thinking.

Overthinking.

It’s a hard job.

It can be frustrating.

Confusing.

Annoying.

Stressful.

Dirty.

Yet it’s warm.

Loving.

Rewarding.

Caring.

Exciting.

Happy.

Special.

There’s nothing in the world like it.

I wouldn’t want to trade it.

I am a big sister.