A year later
He studied his mother as she combed Jannie’s hair and divided it into two ponytails. Her facial expression was blank, but he knew she was trying hard not to yell at Jannie to keep still.
He rose from his couch and helped with the ribbons she wanted to use to hold them. “Here you go, Mum.”
She smiled, a bit surprised. “Thank you, son. You don't want to watch the show anymore?”
He glanced briefly at the cartoon and replied. “No, I have watched this episode before.”
“What about you, Jannie?”
Jannie looked up, confused. “I don't know. I can't remember. What are we having for lunch?”
“It's barely noon, Jannie. How come you're hungry?” He laughed, surprised.
“Mum, tell Jay to stop making fun of me.” She struggled as Mom tried to do her last ponytail.
“Ja
