7
The group chat was filled with my parents‘ angry messages, but Ethan didn’t say a word.
I knew Maddie had cleaned out his savings, and he didn’t have any money left. I tried calling him, but his phone went straight to voicemail.
Three days passed with no sign of Ethan. He hadn’t replied to any group messages or private texts.
I started to feel guilty. Maybe I’d been too harsh. I shouldn’t have kicked Ethan out over a fight between me and Maddie.
Late that night, I heard the door lock click. I rushed to the door and saw Ethan walk in–alone, without Maddie.
He didn’t speak to me, just brushed past and headed straight for his room.
<
“Where have you been staying these past few days?” I asked, offering him a cold Coke.
He didn’t take the drink. Instead, he looked at me with hurt in his eyes. “Why can’t you just accept Maddie?”
I was stunned.
I felt ashamed of myself for worrying about him just moments ago. I wanted to slap myself for it.
Love–struck–fools don’t deserve sympathy.
“What do you mean I can’t accept her? She stole my stuff! The only reason I didn’t call the cops was because I’m being nice!”
“Don’t accuse her of that! Maddie would never steal!” Ethan yelled, angrier than I’d ever seen him. He’s always been mild–tempered, and even though I’m the older sibling, he’s always been the one to keep the peace. We’ve hardly ever fought.
But now, here he was, shouting at me because of some girl.
I didn’t bother arguing. Instead, I pulled out my phone, opened the security footage, and showed him the video of Maddie stealing and swapping my purse.
The evidence was clear. Ethan’s anger deflated like a punctured balloon.
“I’m just here to pack my things. Since you hate Maddie so much, we’ll leave.”
