Was it too much to ask for a competent mother? Or maybe a father that actually showed up? To Thalia, it seemed that way. But she wouldn't leave, she had her younger brother to take care of.
She was making herself a sandwich. Jason was in the next room, probably trying to chew on yet another rubber ball.
When Thalia walked back into the room, she saw Jason somehow on top of the coffee table. With a stapler.
"Jason, no!" she shouted, but it was too late.
Jason had already tried to bite it.
There was a loud snap and then Jason began to cry.
Thalia dropped her sandwich and rushed over. She picked up her brother. She carried him to the bathroom to pull out the piece of metal and bandage his lip.