“I think I just met the happiest person in the world!” Marie exclaimed, face full of bright contempt.

Richard looked at her, not bothering to hide his blank expression because frankly, he didn’t care. What was it to him that she met a person like that and why did she feel the need to tell him.

“Richie! At least show some interest!” Marie’s once bright face was now formed into a pout, she moved and sat next to the man on the couch.

“Marie, you know exactly what I am thinking so I won’t indulge you,” Richard replied monotonously.

He knew she didn’t like when he said things like that. It made him seem like he didn’t care but he did, he just didn’t care for this conversation.

“I’m not saying you need to be excited about it with me, just some interest would have been nice…” Marie mumbled, brushing her feet against the rug, refusing to make eye contact with the person next to her.

“Listen, I understand the excitement. You’ve met someone who’s happy and that’s something big, especially when you’re constantly around me all day. I just don’t care, perhaps I’m taking this all too personal,” he was getting exasperated.

He WAS taking it too personal. He knew Marie, she was his sister for goodness sake and they were around each other every day. He knew his personality, he felt disconnected. He didn’t want to, he couldn’t help it so Marie coming out of nowhere, blabbering random things like that. Felt like a stab.

After a long silence, he felt a hand lightly rest on his shoulder, “Richie, I didn’t mean anything by it, I promise. You, no offense, didn’t cross my mind at all when I spoke of them.”

He looked over and met his sisters bright eyes that never seemed to dim. How opposite they were but how close they were was stronger. He sighed, feeling like an idiot.

“Of course, I’m sorry,” it’s all he could muster. He never had much to say to begin with.

“Oh Richie… I love you. You’re my brother and you’ve always been by my side. No matter how “dull” you think your personality is, it’s what makes you, you. You love me, I love you and we’ve got each other. I’m sorry if my remark made you question anything about you or how I see you. I just wanted to share something small and insignificant with you,” she gave him a big smile, pulling him closer to her with an arm.

He said nothing but he was aware she knew what he was thinking; “I love you too and thank you.”