“Are you serious right now?” I asked, quickening my pace. “Over a cigarette?” My elder brother just looked adorable. I just loved teasing him. No. This is not the time for teasing. I don’t want him madder than he is. His temper is pretty bad.
He turned the corner into the kitchen without answering. I caught up just as he yanked open a drawer and pulled out a lighter—his hands trembling slightly.
“You look like s**t,” I hissed.
He lit another cigarette, not meeting my eyes. The flame flickered against the sharp angles of his face.
“Then stop f*****g looking.”
I leaned against the doorway, watching him exhale a long stream of smoke like it might carry something out of him—something heavy he couldn’t say.
“You didn’t use to be like this,” I said, not really sure why I was still trying.
