Fanon:The Unusual Life of K.J. Griffiths: Surviving Without Loco Parentis

The incident was plainly displayed by way of burnt furniture. The firefighter called to duty had evidently not been one to do the job at a fast pace, nor had he troubled himself in arriving hastily, for the damage appeared poorly attended to. None of their neighbours in Twinbrook had thought to report the case to Social Services, and the Griffiths kids were afraid to notify Social Services themselves, for fear of being separated. Thus, they survived without parentage for several weeks, utilising the wages K.J. earned from her Part-Time Job in Film shrewdly, and opting to salvage wreckage from the fire whenever they were able, in attempts to save as much Simoleons as was possible.

The fire not only took their parents’, Janet and Keith’s, lives, but that of their neighbour’s, who’d come in to see what was responsible for the commotion, and had been trapped in the midst of the flames. Their Baby brother, Noah, however helpless he was, regardless of being confined to his crib, had been sleeping in the opposite end of the house, and seemed relatively unharmed when the kids returned, save being upset, provided his needs had not been tended since before the fire ensued.

As this was the case, Noah’s primary care had suddenly fallen in two minors’ hands, along with enlisting the help of a Babysitter when they were out. Soon after, Noah had aged into a Toddler, and K.J. was faced with the daunting task of having to teach him to walk, talk, and potty train him, all in the seven days. And manage this between school and work hours, subsequently having to quit Sports Club, as there were no Day-Cares to send him to, (K.J. loathed that they did not exist,) and the Babysitters didn’t teach him anything. K.J. and Bryce wished there had been a Nanny to call as one of the reoccurring Services, who could stay during the long nights to care for their brother, and stay for the days, should it be necessary. If Home-schooling was an option, it would have sounded very good, too. The thought that Soccer would soon be at her dispense kept K.J. motivated, although Bryce hoped for other sports to eventually be available.

“I wish we could afford a butler,” K.J. sighed, as she was removing Noah from his Highchair late in the evening. Bryce was already asleep – K.J. always insured he was well-rested, and took the burden of Noah’s midnight cries as all her own.