Sister

by Andrew Yu

He takes a few big breath, picks up a cigarette on the table which belongs to our father, and he lights it very fast. Even though his hands is shaking a little bit, his action seems pretty familiar with it, he said he does not usually smoke, only if he feels depressed or pressure. Maybe he did not tell the truth.

 

“Go to your room, do not let your sister see you smoke, otherwise she will scold you again, and by the way, only this time, do not smoke after this.”

 

Mother says to him, in a gentle and caring voice with concern, as usual. I take a big breath as well, it is okay, I am already accustomed to it, I say to myself.

 

I finish washing the dishes, both mine and his, just like I always do. Sitting on the couch, I have to drink a lot of cold water in order to calm myself down.

 

“Hey, why did you say that to him, you know he is still a child.” Mother with an unhappy face comes to me and blame on me.

 

“He is not a child anymore, he is already 17 years old.” I put the cup down, and increase my voice so he can hear me in upstairs.

 

“You always say he is still a child, still young, he does not know so much things, we should accommodate him, always follow his will. That is fine for previous years before he graduates from junior high school, but right now, he is already 17 years old, he is a man, and will be a legal adult in 1 year, it is nothing wrong for me to make him improve his cooking skill and wash the dishes.”

I hear a small voice from upstair, sounds like a door just opened.

 

“Yes, but he is still the youngest in our family, your are his second sister, you should take care of him more, not just blame on the food he cooked is not good, I mean, it is pretty good compare to other kids that do not even know how to cook at this age.” Mother sits down besides me and says to me earnestly, with a small voice.

 

I do not want to say anything more, picking up the rest of the cigarettes and putting them back. Mother grabs a cup of water and walks upstairs, and then I hear the door close carefully.

 

I go back to my room, lie on my bed and recall what happened and what I said to him.

 

“This spicy chicken tastes not very good, how many time did I tell you that do not use so many oil and put more salt?” I drop down my chopsticks.

 

“It is good, you are just so mean to him.” Mother puts one small piece of chicken into her mouth and with a lot of rice.

 

“Do not feel like you are a good boy if you only cook for us once a week. Me and mom cook for you everyday, that is what you should do. By the way, you are going to wash the dishes for today.” I shake my head and stare at him.

 

“Okay, okay, okay.” He keep eating and says to us with food in his mouth.

 

“What is that attitude? Do not eat and talk at the same time.” I sign, with a little bit blame. He is not been sensible, when can he grow up?" I ask myself.

 

“What about my attitude? I already said okay, I will not put so much oil, and I will not put so less salt, and I will wash today’s dishes, okay?” He raises his head and stares at me, with an impatient voice.

“Do not talk to me like that!” I pound the table so hardly, both him and mother get shock a little bit.

Finishing recalling, I still feel I did not do anything and say anything wrong..

 

Whatever, let it go, he will know that I care about him someday.