Always me

The cool comforter hits my sweaty, hot skin and I immediately feel exhausted. I slide my bubble gum pink painted toes under the blanket and pull it close to my face. My eyes fall closed, but not for long…..

“EMILY!! Come here please.” my grandfather yells from the next room over. I puff out a sigh of annoyance. I can’t seem to get a minute of sleep in this house. I pull myself to my feet and head towards the door. I didn’t get one foot out into the hallway before he called for me again.

“Grandpa, what do you need?” I asked in the sweetest and less annoyed voice I could imitate.

“Dear, I need you to put my teeth in the bathroom. I forgot to do it and I hate asking.”

“You what?” I asked, completely disgusted at the idea. He apparently didn’t understand that I heard him and he peeled back his lips to reveal a gummy smile. My stomach lurched.

“Ahh. Okay. Okay. One second grandpa. I have to go get the glass.”

“No, I can’t wait that long Emmy Bear. I’m tired and I can’t fall asleep holding them because they could fall and I can’t lay them somewhere because they will get all icky.”

“What do you want me to do then?”

“Carry them of course. It won’t hurt.”

“What!?!?”

“Please Emmy. Please.” He looked at me with his faded blue eyes and I took a deep breath. I reached out my hand and he dropped the slimming plastic into my hand. My stomach lurched but I held down.

“Thanks Em.” He said with a big toothless grin. He then curled up on his side and fell asleep. I rushed to the bathroom, but speed didn’t stop feeling. The spit ran and dripped down my fingers and the plastic slipped in my hand. When I reached the bathroom, I threw the sloppy teeth into the glass and dashed for the toilet. After five minutes of stomach clearing I washed my hands at least six times. Finally hands scrubbed, teeth brushed, and grandpa asleep, I curl up with my stuffed elephant, snorts, and get my sleep.