Dancing in the Dark ✓

17 | sasha

"AH-CHOO!" 

I startled from my place at the living room table, jerking my head towards the person standing on the stairs. 

"I think I'm sick," Joshua admitted, his clothes half-worn. 

Dad peered from the kitchen. "That's not good. Come get some medicine."

Joshua slowly made his way downstairs, and I could already tell from his complexion that there was no way he was going to school. 

Dad frowned after touching Joshua's forehead. "You have a fever for sure. You'll have to stay home today."

"But I don't want to wait for you at the hospital," Joshua moaned. 

Dad sighed. "I'll try to call the babysitter, see if he's free --" 

"It's all good, I can stay with him," I piped up. "I'll e-mail my teachers now and ask my classmates to send me the class work."

Dad regarded me, then patted Joshua's cheek affectionately. "Go back to sleep, I'll bring some food and medicine up for you."

Joshua nodded groggily and trudged his way back upstairs. 

Dad made sure Joshua was out of sight before rubbing a hand over his face tiredly. For the first time in a long time, I really stopped to notice how exhausted my father looked. Slumped shoulders, more prominent wrinkles, and when did he start having so many grey hairs? 

When I was younger, my Dad had seemed invincible -- I still remember feeling like I was at the top of the world when he placed me on his shoulders. I tried to swallow the melancholic lump of emotion stuck in my throat. 

"You really shouldn't have to sacrifice yourself like this, Sasha," Dad said. "I'm sure I'll be able to find someone from the hospital to look after Josh."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. "I don't think you have much time, and I would have to leave for school soon too. Don't worry, I've looked through all my subject syllabuses ahead of time. My classmates are pretty good with sharing notes too, and I'll ask my teachers for help if I need it." 

Dad stared at me for a few more seconds before sighing again. "Okay. I'll be back around dinnertime." 

I nodded and saw my dad off once he had fed Joshua medicine and given me instructions on the dosage and time intervals. 

I spent the day revising, and ate leftovers in the fridge for lunch. Once upon a time, my family would've eaten together, but once mom left... 

I shook my head to clear the thoughts. I had to keep busy. Busy kept my mind from wandering to the deep ends. There was a lot to do -- had I submitted my application for that winter Biomed programme yet? 

And so, time flew like that. The doorbell rang around four o'clock in the evening. Leilani must've arrived with my worksheets from the day.

I was pulled the door open, but to my surprise, Theo also stood beside her, carrying a folder. 

Leilani hauled me into a hug before I could speak. "Hey girl! Theo asked if I needed help so I asked him to come along. You don't mind, do you?"

I met Theo's gaze, amusement twinkling in his eyes. I closed my eyes and sighed. "Come in." 

"Where's Joshy?" Leilani asked. 

"He's resting upstairs," I replied. "Might be sleeping --"

She dumped my worksheets onto the table. "I'll go accompany him for a bit."

"Lei --"

But she dashed upstairs anyways. I rolled my eyes and turned to Theo. "I'm clearly not the favourite sibling."