A Moment Away from the Chaos I Gloria Zhu

A Moment Away From the Chaos

Gloria Zhu ‘22

Alice hummed in response as her brother continued. “I mean, it’s like all they think about is school and college and jobs! We’re watching a movie and I say something like, ‘Oh, I wonder if this is based on a real war’ and Mom says, ‘Well, Thomas, you should look it up and write about it. By the way, how’s that history assignment coming along?’ Or I’m talking to my friends and Dad comes in and says, ‘Oh, you don’t have time for that. You need to fnish your homework’ as if I hadn’t spent 5 hours working on assignments and tests and projects.” He laughed without any humour. “Literally, it’s the only thing they ever talk to me about.” Alice looked at her brother. “Are you done?” He sighed and slumped down next to her. “Yeah. It’s just... I wish they would trust me.” “I know.” She hesitated. “I... it’s just who they are, I think. They did the same with me, before I went to college. Always checking in, seeing what I’ve done or what I need to do.” “It’s exhausting.” “Yeah.”

They sat together in silence, listening to the faint chirp of insects and the hum of midnight travellers far away on the highway. Finally Alice stood up and stretched her arms up, saying, “It’s getting late; we should probably head home soon.” Thomas nodded and stood up, following Alice to the car. They climbed in and Alice started the car as Thomas stared out the window. He spoke quietly, “Hey, Alice?” She rested her hands on the wheel as she turned her head to look at her younger brother, who continued, “I... I just wanted to say, thanks, y’know? For talking to me... and for letting me talk. Yeah. Thank you.” Alice smiled at him and leaned over, pulling her brother into an awkward seated hug. He struggled at frst but soon stopped and wrapped his arms around her. They broke apart and Alice pulled out of the parking lot. “Anytime, Thomas.”