(Flashback)
(At the Anderson's ranch home)
Josh: (Texts on the family group chat) Family meeting now.
The Andersons came down all one after the other. In the living room, the head of the family, Josh sat on a single seat. Next came Kirsten, Josh's wife. She sat down on the arm of Josh's chair. The first child, Uriel came down from his room and leaned on the wall. He preferred this posture. The second born, Xavier came down from his room with the third born and only girl, Azrael and they both sat on the two seated. Then the last two, the twins, Hayden and Jayden came running down the stairs. They sat on the other double seat.
Josh: Ok guys. It's Saturday. So that means...
Uriel: (Feigns excitement) Ranch duty!
Josh: Ok, let's see who the lucky one is.
(Picks up a piece of folded paper from a bowl and unfolds it). Azrael, it's you today
Azrael: (Panicky) Please, not today. Any other day but today. Dad, please pick someone else.
Josh: I didn't pick you. It's your luck. So Az, kindly get ready.
Azrael: Mom, help me out here.
Kirsten: Az, you know...
Azrael: Mom, I'm a girl. I have to help with taking care of the house.
Kirsten: Az, I'm going to have to stop you right there. In this family, work has nothing to do with gender. So, you help your father with the ranch. I'm sure four boys can handle cleaning the house.
Azrael: But mom, ...
Xavier: (Interrupts) Azrael, leave here and get ready for the ranch. Now!
Azrael: (Leaves the living room, runs up to her room and slams the door shut)
The Andersons are weird in their own way. Usually, the dad is the most revered in the family. But the home of the Andersons is quite different. The best that dad gets is the support of mom. The first born, Uriel who is 19 years is self sufficient. He is very driven and listens to no one but himself. The second child, Xavier, 18 years, is a mama's boy. Kirsten can woo him to do anything, any day, anytime. Azrael, the third born, 16 years, reveres her big brother, Xavier. They are also best friends and they are the closest in the family. The twins, Hayden and Jayden don't do anything without consulting themselves which is quite dumb for 14 year olds.
(In Azrael's room)
Azrael: (Looks into the mirror again. She was putting on a pair of jeans, a long sleeved shirt, a pair of boots. She skipped the fedora but put her hair up in a high ponytail) Gotta love that cowgirl look.
(Hears a faint knock)
Azrael: Don't come in. (The door opens and Xavier comes in). I'm very sure I said not to come in.
Xavier: Hmm. I only heard "come in".
Azrael: That's rude. What if I had girl stuff going on?
Xavier: (Feigns ignorance) Girl stuff? If I may ask, what is "girl stuff "?
Azrael: Leave me alone.
Xavier: Azrael, why are you being a baby about ranch duty?
Azrael: Maybe, I don't like horses anymore.
Xavier: Really, that's what you're going with? What's really going on?
Azrael: It's stupid, Xavier.
Xavier: Aww, I know you're stupid.
Azrael: (Nudges him in the arm) Hey!
Xavier: (Chuckles) But seriously, what's going on?
Azrael: Today is the my six month anniversary with Dean. We were supposed to hang out.
Xavier: Dean, huh?
Azrael: Stop it with the teasing already.
Xavier: I can't help myself. Just, give Dean a call. I'm sure he'll understand. Besides, what better time to hang out with your boyfriend than a Sunday afternoon?
Azrael: I agree. That's why you should get a girlfriend and experience that. Maybe, finally get that teasing outta your system.
Xavier: Ouch. When did you get so sassy? I don't need more girl drama now. Azrael's more than enough.
Azrael: I agree. Thanks. I will give Dean a call. Now, leave my room.
Xavier: I'll see you after. Tell me how it goes.
Azrael: Obviously.
Xavier: (Leaves)
Azrael puts out a call to Dean.
Dean: Hey Azzy. Happy half anniversary.
Azrael: Yh, you too.
Dean: I can't wait to show you what I have for you. We're still on for noon, right?
Azrael: Actually, that's why I called. Family duties. I won't be able to make it.
Dean: Is everything okay? Do you need me?
Azrael: No, everything's fine. I promise, we'll catch up tomorrow, same time. I'm really sorry.
Dean: It's fine. Family is important.
Azrael: You're the best.
Dean: Love you.
Azrael: Yh, you too. Bye.
(Disconnects the call)
Azrael: (Rushes downstairs) I'm ready, dad.
***
(On the Anderson ranch)
Josh: Az, walk up. We have to get there early if we want to leave on time.
Azrael: Yh, I'm coming.
(Azrael's POV)
Then it happened. All in slow motion. I looked up and I saw little droplets of ice falling from the sky.
Josh: (Caught one in his hand) Hail? I don't remember seeing this in the weather report.
(Azrael's POV)
A droplet fell on my hair. Then I felt bolts of electricity going through my body. I looked over at my dad and I saw him mouth the words "Az, are you okay?" At least, I thought I did. I couldn't say anything. I felt like I was dying. I saw a blue light in the distance. I strained my eye to try and catch the light. Then, I felt my body liquefying. My whole world started fading to black. I felt myself fading out of existence. I lost complete control of my mind. And POOF! I disappeared.
