Brie nodded; Jinny disappeared again. A Clatter of pots and pans could be heard as Jinny started boiling a pot of water. There was silence for a few minutes.

Brie grumbled to herself, and slouched against the stack of cushions. She couldn’t see why grown-ups only wanted rules, rules, rules.

“When I’m in charge, I won’t spank anyone!” Brie declared.

“Being in charge means more than just spanking kids or giving them candy. You gotta do chores all the time, and make sure things get cleaned up. You also have to make sure that kids eat things that are good for them, not just tasty things.” Jinny dumped the macaroni into the pot. “Speaking of which, your dad said you should eat your veggies; I’m warming up these leftover turnips.”