My heart stopped at the hurt in her voice. But I stood my ground. "I'm your older brother. I'm actually the eldest in the family. I shouldn't be taking advantage of you like this."
I waited several moments before being able to lift my eyes and look at the most innocent of my siblings. She was kneeling on the couch, her hands folded in her lap, hanging her head.
"I understand," she replied softly. "I'm sorry."
Emily jumped to her feet and dashed for the front door. I thought I heard a muffled sob as she ripped the door open and darted out into the night. The screen door slammed shut behind her, and I was suddenly left feeling like I'd been given a back massage by a herd of cattle in a pasture full of s**t.
"f**k me," I whispered to myself, then shut the TV off and headed for bed.
I mus
