Nathan had noticed it lately.

Mariely had been walking home alone more often and hadn’t asked him for a ride. Just the other day, she had come home soaked from the rain—and he hadn’t even known she had already left.

He knew they were both busy, but still—she was his only sister. His instincts wouldn’t let it go.

“Sis?” Nathan knocked lightly on her door. “Can I come in?”

“Yes, Brother,” Mariely replied, opening it. She was already in casual clothes.

“Can we talk for a bit?”

Surprised, she nodded. “Okay.”

They sat down on the couch. Nathan studied her carefully.

“I’ve noticed you haven’t been asking for rides lately,” he said. “And last Sunday—you mentioned visiting your student, right?”

“Ah… yes,” Mariely smiled sheepishly. “It was a last-minute decision. I forgot to tell you.”

Nathan sighed. “You don’t have to ask permission. Just send a message so we know where you are. Anything could happen, and we wouldn’t even know.”

She lowered her head. “Sorry. I really forgot.”

His tone softened. “I’m not trying to control you. I’m just worried. You’ve seemed distracted lately—always sighing, spacing out. Is it the board exam? Or work?”

“It’s neither,” she replied. “It’s my student. She lost her parents and was about to lose her scholarship. She kept missing classes, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wanted to help.”

Nathan let out a slow breath. He didn’t work in education, but he could see how much it mattered to her.

“Did you manage to fix it?”

“She’s a working student now,” Mariely said, smiling. “And she’s doing better.”

“That’s good,” he nodded. “Just don’t carry everything alone. You care deeply—but take care of yourself too.”

“I will,” she promised.

Nathan hesitated. “By the way… is Frank bothering you?”

Her eyes widened slightly. “Why?”

“Yes or no.”

“No,” she replied quickly. “We don’t cross paths anymore.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, Brother.” She smiled—just a bit too fast.

******

My brother would kill me if he knew, Mariely thought.
But he just gave me a ride once. Does that really count as bothering?

Nathan ruffled her hair.

“How’s your review going?” he asked lightly. “You’ve been teaching for over a month now.”

“Nosebleed!” she laughed. “But I can handle it.”

“Don’t push too hard. If your brain stops working, take a break.”

“What if my brain never works?” she joked. “Should I just quit the board exam and chill?”

“You’re joking about serious things again,” he said, nudging her.

She laughed and hugged him. “Sorry!”

“If you ever need anything,” he said firmly, “talk to me.”

“I was actually going to borrow money,” she teased. “I’m broke.”

“What happened to your salary?”

“I’m kidding! Maybe you’re just grumpy because you’re getting married.”

“Stop it,” he muttered. “You’re annoying.”

She laughed harder.

Exam week was approaching, and Mariely stayed busy—preparing test questions and working on her Table of Specifications. Her laptop chose the worst time to act up, but at least the school handled photocopying.

That evening, Principal Becca called for a meeting about upcoming events. Nathan texted to say he’d be late because of a client meeting.

By the time the meeting ended, it was already dark.

“Mariely,” Veron offered, “come with me. You can wait at my condo until your brother picks you up.”

“Really?”

Veron nodded.

They arrived at Mariely’s house later, and Veron looked around. “Wait—I thought I was just dropping you off.”

“You’re here already,” Mariely smiled—just as her phone rang.

“Hello, Brother? I’m home. A coworker gave me a ride.”

“Good,” Nathan replied. “Who drove you? A girl… or a suitor?”

Veron burst out laughing.

“Brother!” Mariely protested. “It’s a woman!”

Nathan chuckled. “Invite her in for dinner.”

Mariely turned to Veron. “My brother says you should eat with us.”

Veron gave a thumbs-up. “Sure.”

Just then, Nathan’s car pulled in.

“I’ll park here,” Veron said.

“Alright,” Mariely replied.

Nathan stepped out. “Good evening.”

“Good evening,” Veron greeted politely.

“Come in,” Nathan said with a smile. “My sister doesn’t have visitors often.”

“Thank you,” Veron replied.

“Let’s go,” Mariely said, leading her inside.