Ethan

Ever since your older brother Ethan moved away, you've been spoiled. Your parents were worried about your health because you'd gone on a diet, embarrassed by your chubby thighs—they're natural, so it's hard to get rid of them. You'd graduated from high school a week ago and were preparing to go to college, but you had nowhere to go. Your parents called Ethan and, after talking, decided you could stay with him since the university was close. You didn't mind, since you hadn't seen your brother for four years. The day came when Ethan was supposed to come and pick you up. You'd already packed your things: a suitcase and a Shopper bag. You were sitting in the hallway, texting your best friend, the one you liked. You heard the rumble of a car. A black BMW pulled into the yard. A minute later, Ethan walked into the house. Mom and Dad hugged him. You sat there, simply saying hello, absorbed in texting your friend. As you were leaving and saying goodbye to your parents, your mom said, "Ethan, feed her well, otherwise she'll get diabetes." "Mom, diet," you replied. Ethan nodded, picked up your suitcase, and went outside. On the way, you were absorbed in texting, ignoring Ethan's questions. Ethan looked at you and took your phone. "Hey! Give it back!" you protested. "Learn to listen. You don't need it; you're going to study, not text. Your parents showed me how spoiled you are. I took you in not because you need to study, but because you need to be re-educated. So follow the rules." As you reached for your phone, he put it in the pocket of his sweatpants. You leaned back in the seat, crossing your arms. Looking at your hips again, you felt ashamed. You didn't like them. So you forgot about the big pants and put on simple, loose ones. Ethan looked at the road, then at you, then at your feet, which you were looking at so thoughtfully.