Tomorrow Depends

The Day

I walked up and down the small hallway leading up to our bedrooms waiting for my sibling, Marlon. I entered their room just as they finished tucking in their shirt, making sure every crinkle was in its place of perfection.

"Mar, we won't pass our tests if we're not on time," I scolded my sibling for wasting our time.

"You're a mess, Rhea." They adjusted my necklace and hair to their liking.

I kissed our mom on one cheek while Marlon did the same on the other.

Marlon put the keys in the ignition and we turned to each other, "Ready?" We asked together. I let out a nervous chuckle as they pulled onto the main street, our possible last moments in the same place at once.

The school approached quicker than I wanted to. Marlon parked out front but before they had the chance to leave I stopped them.

I sniffled, "Mar." Our eyes connected and I saw their eyes welled with tears. They leaned over the center console awkwardly embracing me in the cramped place. I felt their arms shake with fear as they squeezed tighter and I hugged just as tight. Scared for my test and our future.

"Mar, you know I love you, right? That, even though you take too long in the mornings, take bites of my food when I'm not looking, hit me when you're mad, take the cat from my arms, and take my shit without asking you're my sibling. I wouldn't be who I am without you."

Saying that made them sob quietly. "Don't say that Rhea! You're going to pass. I'm going to pass too!"

They pulled away giving me a look of determination, trying to be strong. I saw the underlying fear and uncertainty they were trying to mask.

"Rhea," they turned to look outside, sniffling. "We need to go inside."

I ached. Marlon was really trying to make sure I didn't see their unease. "Alright, let's go inside."