Sticky Rescue

The thick batter kept pulling my toes down like heavy glue, and I sobbed frantic apologies as I yanked my feet free with a wet squelch. Scrambling to the baking sheet's metal rim, I reached back with trembling arms and tugged one brother out by his wrist, dragging him onto the dry lip beside me. But our third brother was wedged too deep in the slow, sweet syrup, weeping as his knees stayed stuck fast. I leaned down, tears dripping from my chin, anchoring my toes behind the metal corner while straining both hands outward so he won't sink any further.