Practically Normal Days

          After a series of hasty knocks, I open the door to my sister's bedroom. Clara's lately even more of a shut-in than before, even going as far as locking her door at times. Usually, around this time, it's still locked; I guess she forgot to lock it.

          I've had a few speculations about what she might be doing inside, but still, the bizarre scene that meets my eyes is pretty shocking. Clara stands in the center of the room, her hips in my brother's hands. They're kissing in plain sight, and they keep doing it for some moment until I feel like I might be sick.

          "Um," I mumble.

          Finally, they realize my presence and stop. My brother's hands instantly slip into his pockets, a guilty look plastered on his face. Clara edges a little closer to her bed, like she's considering fainting to shake the awkwardness off. I've never seen her that shade of red. She glares at me like, somehow, everything's my fault.

          "What are you doing here?" she demands.

          "Mom called for dinner," I say. "Sorry for interrupting your love session." I immediately bolt for the stairs, but Clara is already blocking my way.

          "You're not going to tell Mom and Dad," she orders, her eyes threatening.

          Before I can give her a scathing reply, Josh clears his throat. "Sean, do you have some time after dinner? I think we need to talk."

          "Whatever," I answer without thinking.

          Clara doesn't seem to like my answer, but that's how she always is.