Fear
Come on Es, you're 16. You're the future leader of the Hater Empire! Essie turned back to the darkness of the basement of her grandma Lilly's house. And you're afraid of the fucking dark. And what was worse, the light switches weren't working.
Spring cleaning was taking place in her maternal grandparent's house and Lilly and Julian had asked their eldest biologic grandchild and third oldest grandchild for help. Ally was tasked with helping her grandfather dust his collectibles while Essie was tasked with getting and retrieving boxes from places around the house. So far, it had been mostly the attic, but this time, it was the basement. Come on! You're almost an adult and you can't over the dark?!
"Hey Es!"
Essie jumped and glared at her baby sister. And in response Ally just smiled. Ally walked past her sister and started down the steps. She looked back at her sibling and realized her sister wasn't following her.
"Essie?" Ally asked.
"I...I'm afraid of the dark." Essie looked away.
Ally walked back up two stairs and grabbed her big sister's hand. "Then I guess I have to protect my big sister from the darkness."
Essie smiled and let her sister lead her down the stairs. "Thank you."