Trying

She watched them move from room to room together, egging each other on. In the mud room, Evan dared Twyla to scrunch down and make herself fit into a cardboard box; she tried her best, but couldn't do it (and Evan cheered). In return, Twyla commanded Evan to lift the 25 lb sack of red potatoes in the pantry and he made a couple of awkward, grimacing attempts in vain (but they giggled as each took an end and they hoisted it fairly easily). It went on and on like this, trying to be tallest, smallest, strongest, smartest, fastest, sneakiest, until she couldn't keep silent for another moment. "What on earth are you two doing?" their mother said, shaking her head while smiling (the way she often did). They beamed up at her, cheeks pink from doing the latest challenge. "Trying all of the things we can think of to try!" Twyla explained (her eyes twinkling). "So that we don't have to care what anyone thinks, 'cause we know what our superpowers are!" Evan added, raising his arms in victory. She surprised herself by tearing up and whispered, "And don't you ever forget it! Promise!" And they did; they swore an oath as heroes.