Dad just grunted his yes. He looked at the broken table and with a heavy sigh, fetched some packing tape. He got to work mending the table leg, wincing as he did so.

Its that bed, he muttered as he worked. Its wonky. And the mattress is too lumpy. He rubbed his back to emphasize the point.

Oliver felt a swell of anger. At least his dad had slept on a bed! Hed had to sleep on blankets in an alcove! The injustice stung him.

I have no idea how Im going to get through an entire day at the call center, Olivers mother added, coming over with the coffee. She placed it on the now tentatively fixed table.

You have a new job, Mom? Oliver asked.

Moving house all the time made it impossible for his parents to keep full-time work. Things at home were always harder when they were unemployed. But if Mom was working that meant nicer food, better clothes, and pocket money to buy more gizmos for his inventions.

Yes, she said, letting out a strained smile. Dad and I both. The hours are long, though. Todays a training day, but after that well be doing the late shift. So we wont be around after school. But Chris will keep an eye on you, so theres nothing to worry about.

Oliver felt his stomach sink. Hed prefer Chris to not be in the equation at all. He was perfectly able to look after himself.

As if summoned by the mention of his name, Chris suddenly bounded into the kitchen. He was the only Blue who looked refreshed this morning. He stretched and let out a theatrical yawn, his shirt riding up over his round, pink belly as he did.

Good morning, my wonderful family, he said with his sarcastic grin. He flung an arm around Oliver, pulling him into a headlock cleverly masked as brotherly affection. How are you, squirt? Looking forward to school?

Oliver could hardly breathe, Chris was holding on so tight. As always, his parents seemed oblivious to the bullying.

Cant… wait… he managed to say.

Chris let Oliver go and took a seat at the table opposite Dad.

Mom came over from the counter with a plate of buttered toast. She placed it in the center of the table. Dad took a slice. Then Chris leaned forward and snatched up the rest, leaving nothing for Oliver.

HEY! Oliver cried. Did you see that?

Mom looked at the empty plate and let out one of her exasperated sighs. She looked at Dad as if expecting him to step in and say something. But Dad just shrugged.

Oliver clenched his fists. It was so unfair. If hed not preempted such an event hed have missed another meal thanks to Chris. It infuriated him that neither of his parents ever stood up for him, or ever seemed to notice how often he had to go without because of Chris.