An evening of toiling on her homework and even more struggling after dinner had drained Annie. She truly needed a break. But it was already late and if she took a break, there would be no more time for homework. However, she just could not write anymore, learn anymore, think anymore. The amount of work she had left to do was depressing.
Mother had gone to bed early, having to rise up early for her morning shift at the power plant. Father was on his business trip. And Second Sis, who had avoided her the entire day, was now in her room.
Was Second Sis still angry?
Annie decided that she wanted a drink of water before getting ready for bed. She packed up her homework and went downstairs.
In the living room, she saw Big Sis reading an entertainment magazine on the sofa. With her troubles on her mind, she decided to sit beside her sister. "Big Sis," Annie started, "I've got so much homework."
"You've been away for a while," Big Sis replied without looking away from her magazine, "It's to be expected."
A minute passed in silence before Annie voiced her true concern, "Big Sis, do you think Second Sis likes me?"
"Of course she does," Big Sis replied, "Why do you ask?"
"She was so angry this morning and we haven't spoken since."
"Oh, she's like that." Big Sis flipped a page. "She'll calm down tomorrow."
Annie turned to her sister. "But why is she so angry? It can't be just because of missing her morning shower."
Big Sis looked at her. "I think she's having trouble accepting you as you are now. You two are very close."
"Even closer than you and I?"
"Even closer than us." Big Sis continued reading her magazine.
Annie took a deep breath. "Big Sis, am I so different from before."
"You certainly act differently," Big Sis admitted quietly, "But you're still my little sister."
Annie sighed. "Do you like me as I am now?"
There was a pause before Big Sis whispered a reply. "Yes, Annie."
Annie leaned against her sister's shoulder, rubbing her cheek in the warm, soft fabric of Big Sis' sweater. So comfortable. "I can only talk to you about my problems."
Big Sis laid her magazine down and stared down at the coffee table. "Yes, you can," she said softly.
Annie dug her face once more into her sister's arm. Then she stood up. "I should go sleep," she decided. She got herself a cup of water and returned to her room.
It was five minutes after Annie had left before Marie picked up her magazine again. She replaced it in the magazine rack and went upstairs.
***
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