Jenna pushed open the door to her parents' house and was greeted by the warm and dulcet tones of a glaring, obnoxious alarm blasting her ears. She dropped her bags and covered her ears. The muffled announcement "Sensei Dave smells an intruder! Sensei Dave smells an intruder!" Red lights flashed in her face.
She backed out on the porch and pulled her phone out of her purse. Her brother answered on the second ring.
"So you're the one breaking in to the house."
"What the hell, Dave?"
"Well Merry Christmas Eve to you, too."
"Turn the damn thing off."
"Should I tell Mom about your potty mouth."
"Just turn the alarm off, please. The neighbors are going to call the cops soon."
"Say please."
Jenna clenched her jaw. Why couldn't she have a normal older brother? "Please."
"I would ask for a more sincere apology, but Dad and I are about to go deep sea fishing. Just make sure to get me a great present."
The alarm silenced.