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The fourteen year old triplets walked into their home after school.

Manic went straight to the fridge and opened it. “Ugh. Premade meals again.” He muttered.

Sonia stepped over to Manic. “I know, we’ll make dinner together later.” She replied. “I found a recipe for easy sushi, your favorite.”

Manic slammed the fridge door.

“Manic, don’t slam the doors.” Sonic scolded. He dropped his backpack on the table. “We have to fix it if we break it.”

Manic balled his fists as he started trembling. Tears formed in his eyes.

Sonia hugged Manic. “It’s okay; it’s okay, bro.” She said softly. She rubbed his back.

Sonic stepped over and got some water for Manic.

“It’s not fair!” Manic cried. “Are we cursed? Why can’t we have a normal family? Why can’t Ma get a new job?”

“She tried, Manic.” Sonia replied. “She can’t just work at a drive-thru when she has triplets to support.”

“I’d rather live in our car and have a kinda normal family than this.” Manic sobbed.

Sonic shook his head. “No, it would be awful trying to live in Ma’s SUV.” He said. “I know this isn’t ideal, Manic, but-”

Manic pulled away from Sonia and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “Can’t we, like, call social services?” He asked. “So we can actually have a family again?”

“I don’t think they count emotional neglect as abuse.” Sonia replied.

Manic huffed. “It feels like it should be considered abuse.”

Sonic and Sonia exchanged glances.

“They’d separate us, bro.” Sonic said, handing Manic the glass of water. “I can’t lose you two.”

“Neither can I.” Sonia added.

Manic downed the glass of water and set the cup down.

“You don’t want that either.” Sonic said.

“You’re right; I don’t.” Manic replied. He shuffled off to his room.

Sonic and Sonia watched Manic walk away.

Sonia turned to face Sonic. “Bro?”

“He doesn’t feel like talking right now if that’s what you’re wanting to ask.” Sonic replied.

Sonia shook her head. “I noticed he has cuts on his arm.”

Sonic sighed. “Those are old.” He said. “I finally got him to stop. They… did they look old?”

“Yeah, like scars, but not really old ones.” Sonia replied.

“Can you warm up our meals while I check on him?” Sonic asked.

Sonia nodded.

Sonic slowly walked to his and Manic’s room. He was a little afraid to go in there, but Manic needed help and he was the only one he’d talk to. He finally got Manic to quit hurting himself (if he hadn’t relapsed, that is), drinking, or using drugs.

It killed Sonic to see his brother so hurt and he didn’t know what to do about it. His mom was rarely home and it was his duty as the oldest to look after his sister and brother.

Sonia had stepped up to help Sonic, but the two of them could only do so much to try to make sure Manic was safe. They certainly couldn’t fix his problems, but they tried to steer him in the right direction.

“Neither of us should be made to be parents.” Sonic thought as he slowly turned the door knob. He pushed the door open.

Manic was laying on his bed, listening to music on his phone and headphones while staring at the ceiling.

Sonic walked in. “Bro?”

Manic paused his music.

“Sis said she saw cuts on your arm.” Sonic said, sitting down beside Manic. “Are they old?”

“Yeah, those are.” Manic replied. “But the urge is back now that I quit the other vice.”

“Do you mean drugs or alcohol?” Sonic asked. “I hope it’s both.”

Manic huffed. “Sonic, I-”

“Does it actually help you?” Sonic asked. “Wait, don’t answer that. It’s only distracting you from the real problem. It’s not fixing what’s wrong, Manic.”

“I know.” Manic muttered.

Sonic noticed Manic’s notebook and handed it to Manic. “If you’re hurting, then write a song or a story about it.” He said. “It’s better than destroying your body with any of that.”

“Okay, fine.” Manic replied. He opened his notebook.

Sonic glanced at his desk. “Actually, you need to do your homework first.”

Manic groaned, then set his notebook down. He got up and headed to the kitchen.

Sonic picked up Manic’s backpack, then followed Manic out. He caught up with his siblings at the table.

Sonia had made them sandwiches to eat.

Manic was quietly eating while doing his math homework.

Sonia gave Manic a cup of water and sat down beside him.

Sonic ruffled Manic’s spines and sat down beside him.

*

-Fifteen years old-

Manic set his lap desk up so he could draw while he laid in bed. He had to do something productive while he was sick.

Sonic walked in with Manic’s cold medicine. “Here you go.” He said, handing the cup to Manic.

Manic took his medicine and handed the cup back to Sonic.

Sonic looked Manic over. “You need something else from the kitchen besides ginger ale and chicken soup?”

“Nah, bro, but thanks.” Manic said, glancing at Sonic. “Why are you staring at me? I’m not cutting anymore.”

“You’re letting the fur on your muzzle and chest grow out?” Sonic asked.

“Guess so.” Manic replied. “It was too aggravating to mess with. I really don’t know how to do it without shaving off more than what I want to trim.”

“Do you need me to teach you how?” Sonic asked.

Manic stopped drawing. “No, it’s fine.” He replied. “Thanks, bro.”

Sonic sat down on his bed. “What’s wrong?”

“We shouldn’t have to try to figure things out on our own.” Manic said. “I miss it when you weren’t trying to be my dad. I guess you do too.”

Sonic nodded.

Manic started drawing again.

Sonic got up and ruffled Manic’s spines. “I’ll be back with your soup.” He said, walking out of the room.

Sonia was in the kitchen, pouring soup into bowls. “Did he take his medicine?”

“Yeah, he must be in an odd mood if he took it without a fight.” Sonic said, setting the medicine cup in the sink. “He said he misses the times where I didn’t have to be a dad to him.”

Sonia poured water into Manic’s cup. “He’s told me something like that before too.” She replied. She checked her phone. “So do I, but it’s not like we have a choice now.”

“How’s Maria?” Sonic asked.

“Shadow said her NIDS is in remission.” Sonia replied. “But she has nerve damage and has some other problems. She’ll occasionally need assistance with basic activities for the rest of her life. Shadow told me he would let her move in with us when we get married and when Gerald dies. I don’t mind because she’s like a sister to me, but I wish he would’ve phrased it differently just to be polite.”

“Shadow can be kinda blunt.” Sonic said. He glanced back at Manic’s room.

Manic, wrapped in a blanket, came shuffling out of his bedroom.

“I was gonna bring your soup to you.” Sonic said.

“I had to go to the bathroom and I want to watch tv.” Manic replied.

“Okay, we’ll get the living room set up.” Sonic said. “What do you want to watch?”

“Animaniacs.” Manic replied. “Specifically the ride share episode and one where they think they’re related to the executive lady.”

“Okay, bro.” Sonic said. “We’ll put it on for you.”

“Get your comb and your scrunchie.” Sonia said. “Your spines and fur are a mess.”

Manic headed to the bathroom.

Sonic and Sonia picked up the cups and bowls and headed to the living room.

Sonic turned on the tv and got the first episode ready.

Sonia got Manic’s pillow out of his room and set it up on the couch.

Manic walked in, set the comb and black scrunchie on the coffee table, and laid down on the couch. His blanket slid off as he settled himself on the couch.

Sonia covered Manic with his blanket and helped him prop up with a pillow. She felt Manic’s forehead. “Your fever is back. The medicine should help.” She said, picking up Manic’s tray of soup. She set the tray across Manic’s lap.

“Thanks, Ma.” Manic replied.

Sonic and Sonia exchanged glances and sighed.

Manic stirred his soup, then tasted it.

Sonia picked up the comb and scrunchie, looping the scrunchie around her wrist.

Sonic started the show, then sat down at Manic’s feet.

Sonia pulled a chair close to the couch, by Manic’s head, and began to comb his spines. “I forgot to tell you that Mother’s gonna be late again.”

“Figures.” Manic and Sonic muttered.

After a couple of hours, Sonic carried Manic to bed, which was surprisingly easy since he had probably lost a few pounds due to barely eating while he was sick.

After settling his little brother in bed, Sonic rejoined Sonia on the couch.

“Mom’s still not home?” Sonic asked.

Sonia set her phone down. “Apparently, there was a huge wreck on the interstate, so Mother may be dealing with that.”

Sonic flopped down on the couch to Sonia’s dismay. “I know it’s her job and you know I’m fine with saving anyone at any time, but don’t they have more nurses?”

Sonia gave a weak shrug. “I don’t know.”

Sonic laughed bitterly. “Out saving the town, while her family falls apart.”

“We’re okay.” Sonia said.

Sonic motioned toward his bedroom. “He’s not.” He replied. “He’d probably be dead if it wasn’t for us. I’m worried he’ll start rebelling against us.”

Sonia slowly nodded. “Me too.”

Sonic shook his head. “I sound old.” He muttered. He looked at Sonia. “Thanks for helping me with him, sis. You didn’t have to do that. I really wanted you to enjoy being a kid, but I appreciate your help.”

“You shouldn’t have to do it alone.” Sonia replied. “I’m his big sister, I should look after him too.”

“Neither of us should have to do this.” Sonic muttered.

After another hour, Sonic made his way back to bed and laid down.

Manic sat up. “Bro?”

Sonic sighed. “What?” He asked. “You’re feeling anxious?”

He was gonna say needy, but Manic punched the daylights out of his arm the last time he said it.

“Yeah.” Manic said, rubbing the back of his head.

“You’re getting- you’re too old for this.” Sonic replied. “What’re you gonna do when we move into our own places?”

“Hopefully, I’ll have a girlfriend.” Manic said. “Believe me, it’s not like I really want to snuggle beside you.”

Sonic was about to say that this certainly wouldn’t help Manic in that goal, but didn’t.

Manic was sick, depressed, and often needed to snuggle beside someone like a newborn hoglet when he had one of his depression and anxiety episodes.

It was either comfort Manic or leave him to his own devices, which would lead to something self-destructive and another sleepless night. Sleep deprivation tended to put Manic in odd mood swings, his behavior swinging from dark depression to anger with the center being a mixture of both.

Sonic and Sonia found the mood swings to be unnerving and a little scary.

Sonic pulled the covers back and slid over. “Come on.”

Manic got up, stepped over to Sonic’s bed, and climbed in.

At first, Manic just laid there, tensed up to keep from inching close to Sonic’s side of the bed. He wanted to be close to someone, but also felt awkward as he had long since outgrown this particular hedgehog behavior.

Sonic finally eased closer and reached over to stroke Manic’s spines.

Manic’s body finally relaxed, his breathing slow and even.

Sonic eased his hand away once he was sure his little brother was fast asleep.

Manic turned over and eased closer in his sleep, resting his head on Sonic’s shoulder and wrapping his left arm around Sonic’s stomach and his right arm stretched over his head.

Sonic grimaced and exhaled through his nose. He wasn’t angry at his little brother, more like frustrated that Manic’s depression and anxiety was this severe and their mom left everything on his shoulders. He couldn’t even ask her if her insurance would cover therapy for Manic since she wasn’t home.

The free service Manic tried sure didn’t help him and Sonic wound up berating the apathetic volunteer for being so rude to his little brother. Manic didn’t try another service after that and Sonic couldn’t blame him, but did talk his brother into trying to talk to the guidance counselor.

Sonic didn’t regret taking on the responsibility though. He loved his siblings and would do anything to keep them safe and happy. But he also knew that he shouldn’t have had this thrusted fully on his shoulders since he was eleven. He was still a kid too and had a lot to learn; he shouldn’t have to teach his siblings when he didn’t have a clue himself.

Manic whimpered in his sleep, probably from nightmares again.

Sonic rubbed Manic’s back until he finally stopped whimpering. “Thanks, Mom.” He whispered.

*

-Sixteen years old-

Aleena got up and decided to make breakfast for her kids since she had the rare day off.

Sonic and Manic walked in while Aleena was looking in the cabinet for the waffle maker.

“Oh, wow, you’re actually home?” Manic asked.

Aleena flinched and looked around the cabinet door. She didn’t know what startled her more: the fact that she didn’t notice the boys came into the room until one of them spoke up or that they had grown this much and she hadn’t noticed.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” Manic said, starting the coffee maker as Sonic got their coffee mugs.

“No, it’s fine.” Aleena replied. “When did your voice change?”

“Three years ago.” Manic said, pouring coffee into his and Sonic’s cups. “Thanks for noticing, Ma.”

Aleena sighed. “I’m sorry, Manic.” She replied. “I don’t like this any better than you do.”

Manic picked up his cup. “I only want toast.” He said. He headed into his room.

Aleena looked at Sonic.

“He’s… uh, don’t freak out, but he snuck out again last night while sis and I were asleep.” Sonic said, getting bread out of the breadbox. “He’s hungover. I already grounded him and he got a lecture. You can bring his toast to him, but I’ll make it. You make it the same way Sonia does and he hates it.”

Sonia walked in. “He likes it nearly burned. It’s disgusting.”

Aleena sighed. Sonia was all grown up too and she pretty much missed it.

Sonia hugged Aleena.

“Hey, Princess.” Aleena said, patting Sonia’s back. She let go of Sonia and poured herself and Sonia some coffee. “Is this a new thing with him, Sonic?”

Sonia took her coffee cup. “Was he drunk or high again?”

Sonic buttered the toast. “Both.” He said, putting the toast in the toaster and turning it on. “He’s grounded and forbidden from seeing Rouge, Mom.”

“We wanted to talk to you about his problems, but you weren’t home, Mother.” Sonia said.

Aleena sipped her coffee. “Will he talk to anyone?”

“Me.” Sonic said, leaning against the counter. “Maybe Shadow.”

“Once in a while, he talks to me.” Sonia said, getting the pancake mix out of the cabinet. “But only to ask me for a girl’s perspective. I didn’t realize Rouge was such a bad influence on him until a couple of days ago. You did talk to him about that, right, Sonic?”

“Yeah, he agreed it was for the best.” Sonic replied. “I think he realizes how unhealthy the relationship was.”

The toast popped out of the toaster.

Sonic put the toast on Manic’s favorite plate and handed it to Aleena.

Aleena headed to Manic’s room, desperately trying to figure out what to say to him. She was obviously neglectful if she hadn’t noticed just how much he, or her other two children for that matter, had grown or that Manic’s mental health was spiraling this far down.

She softly knocked on the door, then opened it when Manic groaned.

“Sorry, sweetie.” Aleena said, walking over to Manic’s bed. She knelt down and handed Manic the plate.

“Sonic made it, huh?” Manic asked.

“Yeah, he said you like the way he makes it better.” Aleena replied.

Manic took a bite of his toast. “At least he pays attention to me.”

Aleena sighed. “I know, Manic.” She replied. “You do realize I hate having to work so much. I miss the way things were before, but it’s not my fault your dad was killed.”

“Could’ve sued that jerk for millions so you wouldn’t have to work there." Manic muttered.

Aleena sighed. “I tried, that guy didn’t have anything and the legal bills would’ve taken most of it.”

Manic quietly ate his toast.

“Manic, none of this was my fault.” Aleena said.

“You could find a new job.” Manic replied.

“I’ve been looking for one.” Aleena said. She checked her smart watch as it vibrated. “I knew it was too good to be true. I’m sorry, sweetie, I have to go to work.”

“Of course you do.” Manic sneered. “Guess I have to break my leg or something before you see me.”

Aleena shook her head. “Please don’t talk like that.”

*

a week later

Aleena followed a nurse, who was a tan female Mobian mole, to one of the exam rooms.

“Apparently, these boys thought it was a great idea to mess with this rocket they made.” The nurse said. “Surprised that one boy didn’t lose his leg.”

The nurse pulled the curtain back.

Manic was sitting on the table and getting his leg stitched up by a doctor (a red Mobian squirrel male) while Sonic and his friend Tails waited nearby.

“Sorry, Mom.” Sonic and Tails said.

“Guess I was wrong.” Manic said, crossing his arms. “I’m in the hospital and you can’t even do my stupid stitches.”

Aleena sighed. “Manic.”

“Bro, be nice, you almost died.” Sonic said.

“What?” Aleena shrieked.

“I mean, he could’ve died.” Sonic said, tapping his feet furiously. “He was the closest to the explosion ‘cause he tripped.”

Aleena looked at the doctor. “Put it on my insurance.”

“Can our insurance cover counseling too?” Sonic asked.

“Unfortunately not.” Aleena said.

Sonic sadly shook his head as Tails patted him on the back.

Manic’s stitches were finally done.

“Okay, we’ll get you some gelato and head out.” Sonic said, helping Manic up.

Sonic, Tails, and Manic left the hospital.

Aleena glanced at the boys as they walked out the door, then to the nurse. “Was he asked if he felt like hurting himself or any of those questions?”

“Yes, he said he was fine.” The nurse said.

Aleena sighed and shook her head. “I’m sure he’s lying.” She replied. “Sonic asked about counseling because Manic’s been having problems.”

The nurse shrugged. “We can’t prove anything. I’m sorry, Aleena.”

*

Sixteen years old/ a month later

Aleena laid on the couch, watching tv. She nearly fell off the couch as the back door opened, then slammed shut. She sat up and looked over the back of the couch.

Manic came staggering into the kitchen, nearly falling over one of the chairs.

Aleena got up and marched over to Manic.

Manic, barely able to stand, glared at Aleena. “Oh, you’re home?”

“Manic, you know the rules.” Aleena said. “No sneaking out and-”

Manic walked away, bumping into the walls.

Aleena followed Manic. “No, you don’t walk away from me-”

Manic whipped around. “Why do you care?!”

Aleena stepped back and held her hands up defensively.

“You’re never home and now you wanna act like my ma?!” Manic yelled. “I-”

Sonia swung her bedroom door wide open, slamming it against the wall. “Manic Edsel Hedgehog, go to your room now.” She ordered. “How’d you even get home like that? How much did you drink?”

Manic slumped his shoulders. “Dunno, it’s kind of a blur.” He slurred. “Kinda sick.”

Sonic opened his door and stepped out of his room. “C’mon, bro.” He said, guiding Manic to their room. “Let’s get you cleaned up and ready for bed. We’ll talk tomorrow and, just so you know, you’re grounded for two months.”

“‘Kay.” Manic muttered. “Sorry, bro.”

Sonic closed the door behind them.

Aleena looked at Sonia. “How do you get him to listen and talk to you without it becoming a screaming match?”

“I guess because we’re involved in his life.” Sonia said. “No offense, Mother, I know you’re doing your best; Sonic and I respect you for it. Manic is… he’s hurting pretty badly over it and some other stuff. We’re trying to work with him. His guidance counselor sure isn’t helping.”

Aleena looked at Sonic and Manic’s bedroom door.

“Try to talk to him when he’s sober.” Sonia said. “He’s usually okay with us, but you might make him angry and we don’t know what his bad behavior is like while he’s drunk.”

Aleena nodded.

“Do you need to talk, Mother?” Sonia asked.

Aleena did, but she already made Sonia and Sonic do enough for her. She didn’t want to burden her daughter with another set of problems.

“No, I’m fine.” Aleena replied. “Go back to bed.”

Sonia looked at her brothers’ bedroom door as Manic vomited.

“Sis, can you help me out?” Sonic called.

“I got it, Mother.” Sonia said, stepping over to the boys’ room.

Aleena stood there as Sonia opened the door, then closed it behind her as she went inside. She debated on overriding her daughter’s statement until Sonia came back out a few minutes later.

“Sonic only needed me to find Manic’s scrunchie while he held little bro’s spines up.” Sonia said, closing the door. “He’s got it.”

Sonia headed back to her room and shut the door.

Aleena decided to go to bed as well.

*

the next day

Aleena waited for Manic to finally shuffle out of his room.

Instead, Sonic walked out.

“What’s he doing?” Aleena asked.

“He doesn’t want to talk to you.” Sonic replied. “I asked. He said he didn’t want to get scolded again and he’s too old for you to boss him around like a child.”

“He lets you ground him.” Aleena said. “You’re only about an hour older than him.”

Sonic shrugged. “He respects me and Sonia.” He replied. “Between me, you, and Sonia, who do you think is raising him?”

Aleena got up and made herself another cup of coffee. “I know, but how can I even try to make things right?”

“Give him time to calm down and don’t bring up what happened last night.” Sonic said.

Aleena sipped her coffee. “When do you think he’ll calm down?”

Sonic’s eyes widened briefly. “Uh… huh. Maybe try to speak to him in a few hours.” He said, pouring himself and Manic some coffee. “Hey, try talking to him about his comics, John Wick or Terminator, or our band when he does. He loves to talk about that.”

Aleena slumped her shoulders. “You have a band?”

Sonic picked up the cups. “Yeah, the Sonic Underground. We’ve won the school talent show every year.” He replied. He headed to his room.

“I don’t deserve them.” Aleena said under her breath.

After an hour, Aleena went to check on Sonic and Manic.

Their bedroom door happened to be open.

Manic was putting on his trenchcoat as Sonic slid on his sneakers.

Sonic looked up. “Oh, we’re going to the mall, Mom.” He said. “We won’t be gone long.”

Manic whipped around, his coat swishing open. He was wearing a black T-shirt, combat boots, and sunglasses. He also had piercings in his ears and eyebrows as well as his lip and nose.

Aleena couldn’t have been more surprised at Manic’s new (to her anyway) look.

Sonic laughed as he got up. “Bro’s sorta going for the Neo look.” He said, motioning to Manic. “He nailed it, huh?”

“Who?” Aleena asked.

Manic scoffed. “Keanu Reeves’ character in the Matrix, which is one of our favorite movies.” He replied. “Thanks for paying attention to us.”

Manic brushed past Aleena as he walked out.

Sonic grabbed his black hoodie and slid it on. “I’ll talk to him, Mom.”

Aleena caught Sonic’s arm before he could walk by. “I’m sorry you have to do so much.”

“It’s… it’s okay, Mom.” Sonic said, running his hand through his spines. “I’m the man of the house, so to speak.”

“Bro, ya coming?” Manic called. “We gotta pick up the girls.”

“Girls?” Aleena asked.

“Sally and Surge.” Sonic replied. “You’re not home for us to tell you about our relationships.”

Sonic walked out, leaving Aleena alone.

Sonia’s door opened.

Sonia, wearing a nice T-shirt dress and leggings, walked out of her room. “Oh, you have a day off, Mother?”

“Yeah.” Aleena replied. “I guess you’re going with your brothers.”

“No, but we’ll probably bump into them.” Sonia said. “Shadow’s taking me to the park. We’re going skating. Gerald and Tails finally finished making my air shoes.”

“You and Shadow are dating?” Aleena asked.

“Yeah, for four years now.” Sonia replied. “I kinda thought it was obvious. I have had a crush on him since I met him.”

Aleena bit her lip.

“Do you need me to cancel?” Sonia asked. “I’m sure Shadow will understand.”

“No, Princess, go have fun.” Aleena replied.

Sonia hugged Aleena and left the house.

Aleena made herself a cup of tea and started researching what she could do to repair her relationship with her children on her phone.