The protagonist and Derrick are members of the same family and the protagonist is responsible for Derrick.
It is possible to know that his question refers to the short story "How to ignore a house on fire." This story has a second-person point of view and presents the responsibilities of an unnamed protagonist. The point of view of the story makes this protagonist the reader himself.
The protagonist has to take care of the family that is going through difficulties and everyone is dependent on him or her, including Derrick, who we know is a member of the protagonist's family, probably one of the children.
You can learn more about "How to ignore a house on fire" at the link below:
https://brainly.com/question/26848768