It started with a cobweb in the corner of the hallway.
One little thread, shining in the sunlight like it was proud of itself. I was reaching for it with a broom when my cousin Tariq walked in and wrinkled his nose.
“You cleaning today?” he asked, like I was about to commit a crime.
I leaned on the broom dramatically. “I’m trying. This house hasn’t seen a deep clean since the family BBQ two months ago. I still smell hot links in the couch cushions.”
Tariq nodded. “You need backup.”
Within thirty minutes, three more cousins arrived—Deja with her wireless speaker, Malik with his mop bucket, and Shae carrying a giant jug of her famous coconut punch like a peace offering to the Cleaning Gods.