Alexis! Time to wake up!” her mother called from the hallway, her voice sharp and unyielding.
“Ugh, five more minutes!” Alexis groaned, pulling the blanket over her head, wishing to escape into sleep.
“Laziness won’t get you anywhere! Get up now!” her father added, his tone echoing through the quiet house, stirring anxiety in her stomach.
With a heavy sigh, Alexis sat up, rubbing her eyes and blinking against the morning light. She knew today would be challenging, filled with expectations that loomed over her like a dark cloud.
At breakfast, she shuffled to the table, where her parents awaited with serious expressions. The aroma of burnt toast mixed with strong coffee, a reminder of the chaotic mornings they often had.
“Do you really have to sit there like that?” her mother asked, pouring a glass of juice. “You need to start being responsible, Alexis.”
“I am responsible!” she muttered, forcing down her cereal, each bite feeling heavier than the last.
“Responsible? You’ve got a D in math, and you didn’t study for your science test,” her father pointed out, frowning as he glanced at the newspaper.
“Dad, I’m trying!” Alexis protested, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “It’s just hard to keep up!”
“Hard or not, you need to improve those grades. You know how important this is for your future,” her mother added, her voice firm.
“I know!” Alexis snapped, overwhelmed. “I just had a rough night.”
“Excuses won’t cut it,” her mother replied, shaking her head. “You need to behave and take your education seriously. This is getting out of hand.”
After school, Alexis stormed in, tossing her backpack aside with a thud that echoed in the empty hallway. “Mom, can we talk?” she called out, hoping for a moment of understanding.
“About what? Your grades or your attitude?” her mother replied, arms crossed, ready for confrontation.
“Both! I don’t think I deserve to be grounded for one mistake!” Alexis argued, her heart racing.
“Your behavior today was unacceptable. You’re getting a time-out for being disrespectful,” her mother said firmly.
“That’s not fair!” Alexis shouted, frustration boiling over. “I’m just trying to express myself!”
“Enough! This is back talk. You’re going for a time-out. Hands on your head, legs up,” her mother ordered, her voice leaving no room for negotiation.
“Mom, please! That’s so childish!” Alexis pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice.
“Fifteen minutes. Now!” her mother insisted.
“Wait! That’s not fair!” Alexis protested, but her words only led to more punishment.
“Fifteen extra minutes for your back talk. That’s thirty total!” her mother said, crossing her arms, her expression unyielding.
“Mom! No!” Alexis cried, panic flooding her. “I can’t stand that long!”
“Too bad. You need to learn,” her mother replied, her tone final.
Reluctantly, Alexis complied, placing her hands on her head and raising one leg. The humiliation washed over her as she maintained the position, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “This is ridiculous,” she mumbled.
As the minutes dragged on, Alexis felt the strain of the position. She tried to shift into a more comfortable stance, but her mother’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Stand straight, Alexis! Keep the position,” she warned, eyes narrowing.
