Timira felt herself flinch at the sound of her mother’s voice, she always seemed to be angry with her about something. She jerked her head to the right and Light immediately removed herself from her spot next to her sister and scurried into the living room where she tightened the blanket around her withered Grandmother.

“Timira Evelyn Lorde!” It was rather common for her mother to scream out her full name when she was upset with her, which just so happened to be all the time.

“Yes Mother?” Her voice was soft, her hands wringing the dusty apron she was wearing.

“Why haven’t you milked the cows yet?” Resell was a fierce woman. Her caramel eyes seemed to glow with rage when she was angry, her petite frame seemed to become even more delicate from her short clipped hair that was always in a pristine bun.

“I was starting on breakfast, I wanted to put the briskets on the fire before-” Her explanation was cut short by a firm and abrupt smack across her cheek.

For a tiny woman, her mother knew how to use brute force. “Go do it, now!”

“Yes, Mother.” Her voice was timid as she went.

Her boots became more and more scuffed with every step she took, but she didn’t care. Timira reached the barn just in time to see Light finish the first of two cows.

“I thought you’d need help!” She chirped, her fiery hair swinging wildly as she turned her head.

“Thank you Pixie” Timira said with a smile. The rest of the town would call her a witch for saying that, but that’s what her sister looked like. She had her mothers small frame and hazel eyes, her grandfathers red hair.

“Your welcome, Night.” Light had in turn a nick name for her as well. Light was so pretty and cute, it had earned her the name sake. Timira, on the other hand was Night. She had her father’s thick, tousled black hair and willowy frame, her Grandmother’s nose and smile.

Timira milked the other cow while Light snuck back into the house. The kid was worth it all. Light was her Mothers favorite, it was obvious. But she was known to snap at just about anyone. So Timira took the blows. When Light messed up, Timira took the fall.

“Morning Sweetheart!” Timira almost sloshed the whole bucket at the sound of her Father’s voice.

“Hi, Daddy.” She replied with a smile.

He tousled her hair, “Get dressed, we’re leaving soon. It’s Sunday after all.”

“Of course.” She said, it was time for church. Timira hugged her father with a grin.

“Be careful, your mother seems to be upset this morning.” Alex said gravely, his smile seemed to dim.

“Yes, Father.” She said in the same timid voice. As she walked from the barn she could swear she felt eyes on her, watching her.