Louise got up with a long groan. Stereotypical or not, before her first sugar laden coffee and brownie portion, she would not be enjoyable, and even after that she wasn't miss Congeniality.
There was no jolly mother to wake her up, or a nice father waiting at the breakfast table, just her and her little sister. It was a public secret these two had no father to speak of, and that their mother had taken the run to Vegas.
So Louise worked to sustain her little family, and went to school. She was too proud to ask for help - so as long as she could manage, she wouldn't either. There were the little helps from neighbours who would bring them a ready made meal once in a while, but she wouldn't accept more from them.
'Hey Marie.' She kissed the ten year old on the cheek and took out her breakfast cereal. 'I'll be home early to cook for you, alright?' Being home early meant skipping school, but if she had to choose between gym and cooking for her younger sister, the choice was made quickly.
After their quick breakfast she dropped off Marie, and then went on to school herself.