Chapter 6: Sibling Rivalry Returns

At the airport, Jamie ran to me, showing off his little wolfish grin.

He gave me a big bear hug.

His youthful voice was hoarse and soft.

"Sis, I missed you so much."

I was about to hug him back, but he quickly let go and casually put his suitcase in front of him.

He looked taller, older—broad-shouldered and scruffy in a way that made him look like he belonged in a college football ad. But his ears turned bright red, and he kept shifting his weight from foot to foot.

"This kid, seriously, pitching a tent at the airport."

"Look, he’s trying so hard not to scare his sister, his knuckles are white! 😂"

"Ahhh, the other guy is so handsome! Can’t wait for the fake-sick guy to get his comeuppance!"

Tent?

Is it what I think?

And his red ears were suspicious.

I studied Jamie’s expression, but suddenly my sleeve was tugged.

Turning my head,

Carter was pitifully pulling my arm.

Why did he come too!

He pursed his lips, looking guilty.

"Honey, I was worried about you being alone."

"Am I bothering you..."

"Otherwise, why didn’t Jamie even call me brother-in-law?"

He leaned weakly against me.

"Honey, my head is spinning, but it’s okay—"

"I can stand by myself."

Before I could help, Jamie stepped up and put his arm around Carter’s shoulder.

"How could you be a bother?"

"Brother-in-law, I missed you—I mean, I missed you so much."

"Lean on me, young people are sturdier."

He glanced at me meaningfully.

"And have more stamina. You know that, right, sis?"

I nodded.

Back then, he used to take me running—six miles was nothing. He could even hold me while doing squats.

Carter’s face turned green.

He avoided Jamie’s support, fussed with his collar, accidentally revealing several hickeys on his neck.

"Jamie, you’re still young."

"You don’t understand what your sister really likes."

Jamie nodded earnestly, grinning wider.

"Brother-in-law is right."

"In the future, I’ll use your experience to take care of sis."

"Why does brother-in-law look so pale? Is his illness getting worse?"

Carter hesitated, then finally lowered his eyes and hooked my hand.

"Honey, Jamie doesn’t seem to like me."

"Did I do something wrong..."

My mind was full of bullet comments, so I just patted his hand perfunctorily.

"Be good."

"You’re almost dead, don’t overthink."

Carter looked like he was about to cry.

Jamie squeezed in next to me, blocking my view with a smile.

"Don’t worry, sis."

"Brother-in-law is so strong—the wind at the airport just made his eyes water."

Airport... is there even wind?

I bit my lip, hiding a smile. Jamie always knew how to lighten the mood, even if it was at Carter’s expense.