Under Electric Lights I Tessa Muhle

Under Electric Lights

Tessa Muhle ‘21

The house shook from yelling as Alice tried to fall asleep. Staring at the sharp slice of moonlight on the ceiling, she laid back with her arms crossed behind her head as she waited for the shouting match to end.

“What the hell were you thinking, hiding this from us?! We’re just trying to help you, but all you want to do is sit around in your chair doing nothing! And God forbid we tell you to study?! Honestly, Thomas, what are we supposed to do?!” “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t realise I needed to tell you about every little assignment I got! I don’t need you micromanaging my goddamn life!” At last the shouting faded away, replaced with slammed doors and thundering footsteps. Alice continued staring at the ceiling, wondering about the reasons behind the explosive argument. She turned so she was sitting on the edge of the bed, hands resting on the frame as she gazed ahead. Forcing herself up, Alice stood and stumbled across her room, cursing when she banged her elbow against the chair she had forgotten to push under the desk the night before. She opened the door, wincing at the low-pitched creak that arose from its hinges. Entering Thomas’ room, she shielded her eyes against the bright lights and the angry muttering coming from her younger brother as he sat hunched over his computer. He didn’t look up at her when she came in, just said fatly, “What do you want.” “Wow, rude much? I just wanted to see what all the yelling was about.” Thomas leaned back in his chair and looked at the ceiling. “It’s nothing important,” he muttered. Alice nodded, leaning against the doorframe. “Fine. Keep your secrets.” She paused, considering her brother. “Do you want to go for a drive?” He looked over at her in surprise. “What about Mom and Dad?” She shrugged. “I’m in college. I’m over 18. What will they do, ground me?” She scoffed, “I don’t think so.” “Ok then, if you’re sure.” He stood up, stretched. “But no questions about our argument.” “Deal.”

They walked out to the garage and to the car, unconsciously moving closer to resist the cold. Pulling out of the driveway, Alice relaxed with her hands on the wheel as Thomas sat back and scrolled through his phone. The car coasted down the street, the only sounds the gentle thrumming of the engine as headlights and streetlights fashed by in the nearby distance. She continued staring fxedly at the road ahead of her, only ever seeing a few feet ahead as she drove. Finally, Thomas asked, “Are we going anywhere specifc? Or just, like, driving around?”