Thinking about all her life, or the last ten years exactly, Annabelle was now sure she would feel that something was wrong in her life if she didn't work, as she would have so much time on her hands and nothing to devote it to concerning her brother.
She needed to take care of her brother, but the way that had been ingrained in her was through providing for him. Now, if she couldn't work, she would have a lot of time on her hands, and when she had a lot of time, she would feel the need to take care of him. But all she knew was how to work. Annabelle found herself stuck in this never-ending loop, unsure of how to break free from it.
If she didn't work and provide for her brother's living expenses, then what else could she offer? Her reclusive brother wasn't sociable and preferred to stay in his room; she had never even heard him mention a friend.
While fortunately, she hadn't heard of him being bullied or harassed by others, nor had he mentioned any arguments or problems with his classmates.
It still came down to the fact that he didn't like socializing with others, and she didn't want to interfere with his decision.
Holding her brother tightly, embracing him with all her being, and lost in thought, Annabelle was suddenly reminded of the past, when she was still a child, before Christian had come into the world. She had two friends who were siblings, and she remembered the jealousy she felt when a problem arose, and they stood together against her.
She still remembers how, more than feeling it was unfair being two against one, she felt a deep jealousy that they had a sibling who stood by them against her, while she had no one.
Annabelle was reminded of how, from that moment on, she would always nag her parents, telling them she wanted a sibling—preferably a boy—because boys were strong. She wanted a strong brother to defend her, to always be there for her.
That sibling bond was something she had always longed for.
After a couple of years, Christian came into the world, and she felt an immense love for him. In that moment, she truly believed she was the happiest person on the surface of the Earth.
Seeing how his sister started crying, her tears falling abundantly after she had been quiet, Christian felt at a loss. Just moments ago, she had been teasing him, so what had happened exactly?
Thinking that he should say something and not stay quiet, he started patting her back with his hand and hurriedly said.
"Sis, you know you can do anything now."
Christian awkwardly started talking, suggesting that she could return to studying and go to university, or even start her own business if she wanted.
He wanted to continue, but apparently that was not what his sister wanted, as she interrupted him and replied vehemently.
"No."
Annabelle, hearing her brother mention how she could return to her studies, felt a wave of sadness wash over her. Had she pushed him too hard toward education, to the point where he was now suggesting it back to her? She had only wanted the best for him, believing that higher education would open up the most possibilities for his future.
But now, she found herself questioning whether she had been wrong.
When she was younger, Annabelle had dreams of attending a prestigious university, studying business management, graduating, and achieving great success. But those aspirations felt distant now; her life had become entirely centered around her brother. She had long since realized that she no longer wanted those ambitions—her focus was solely on supporting him now.
She now just wanted to see him grow up, become more successful, have lots of friends, and maybe, if he could bring a girlfriend to introduce to her, she could ask for nothing more.