I Paid for Mom's Mistake

There's a special rule in my family.

No matter what I do, I have to get permission from my younger sister, Bernette Emerson, first.

However, Bernette dies the year I turn five.

So, every time I ask Mom for something, she lights a candle and tells me, "If the candle goes out within one minute, that means Bernette has agreed to it."

But the candle never goes out on its own.

So, over the years, I've never worn pretty dresses or gone to amusement parks. I have no idea what cake tastes like, either.