A rough life for a human pet

In younger years - interlude

I love summer, the warmth of the sun's rays. It just fills me with so much energy and even makes me excited for school.

"Valor, you want a snack before you head out?" Mother calls happily since we were able to find some fruits.

My younger siblings run past, each quickly grabbing a piece of fruit. It makes me smile that they are healthy and so full of energy.

"No, mother. It's okay. The younger ones can have them." I say even with my stomach grumbling.

Father comes in from outside, and my youngest sister Emily runs into him. She's still so young, not even old enough for school yet.

"Papa! Did you go to the store?" She says, snuggling against him.

My gaze drops. She doesn't understand that we have to be mindful of our spending.

Father picks her up, and she giggles as she's swung around. She's soon placed down, then Adam goes up, and he's getting swung around, too.

I can tell Father is tired when he finally sits down and takes a piece of fruit. Walking up I place a hand on his arm and smile. He returns it, and I scowl as he ruffles my hair.

"How's my big girl doing? Have you been good for your mother, Valor?" Father states, making me grin.

I tilt my head up in pride, and I'm pulled in for a hug. I love mother and father.

Father yawns then stands, and I grab Adam and Laura as they try and cling to him as he heads to the main bedroom. He works at night, so he needs to sleep during the day. It's worrying during winter when it's so cold, though.

I hear a cry and immediately dart into our children's room. Poor little Heath keeps crying so much, but Father needs to sleep.

Mother picks him up and holds him close to her chest, and he settles quickly.

"Valor, it's time to take the older ones for school," Mother calls over in a quiet voice, helping Laura put her shoes on.

I grab my school bag, and I swing it around onto my back. It's medical assessment day today. A medical assessor will look at us children over for injuries or sickness, and the younger ones will get vaccines.

"I don't want a needle," Laura grumbles, but I just grab her hand and lead her out of the building.

No kids want needles, I didn't, but it will be fine. She's just being dramatic cause she's little. It won't be anywhere near as easy to get medical care once we're older...

For some reason, some Franus insist that us kids get looked over on a semi regular basis. That and they get rather unhappy if we don't get vaccines.

Adam is quiet, but he always goes quiet on assessment days. They can be pretty hectic, so I don't blame him. It was hard being the oldest and having to go to school on my own. But at least they have me, and I can comfort them.

"It'll be okay, you two. It's just an assessment, and they only give us the needles to help prevent us from getting really sick." I state stopping and squeezing them in close to me.

They both giggle and take their hands in mine as we walk through the streets and towards the school. Noticing my friends house, I take the kids up to the door and knock before heading in.

"Milly, it's time for school! We can't miss assessment day," I call out her mother, busy in the kitchen with canning some fruits for winter. The kids are interested in that, so head in to help.

I can hear sobbing, so I go through to her room. She's pale and looks exhausted as she lies curled up in bed. The teachers have even started mentioning her missing school a lot.