Sibling Strain

From: jodileigh@hotmail.com

To: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

Subject: Long Time, No Hear

Hey big bro!

Can you believe it’s been like, forever since we’ve talked? I know I’m the worst sister ever which is why I thought I’d give you an e-mail update

I finally convinced Mom to let me dye my hair! I’m going for this crazy, reddish-brown colour. I know that I’m so gonna rock it and you’re gonna be so jealous!

In other news, I befriended a new girl at school called Lily. She’s awesome. We’ve been spending a ton of time together. She’s really into art, like, painting and stuff. I’ve never really been into that, but it’s kinda cool

I’ve been trying to learn how to play the guitar, but I’m terrible at it! Mom is refusing to pay for a tutor saying that I have to save up for lessons! I’m thinking about getting a part-time job at that new coffee shop downtown. What do you think?

Anyway, how’s life in the big city? Still loving college? Missing your little sis?

Also, guess what I found in the attic the other day? Remember that old video game console you used to love? It still works! Can’t wait til you’re home, we could maybe do some epic gaming sessions?

Talk to you soon,

JoJo

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From: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

To: jodileigh@hotmail.com

Subject: Life Update

Hey JoJo,

Reddish-brown, huh? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. But hey, you do you- I’m sure it’ll look great!

Life’s...interesting. College is fine, I guess. Lots of work and all that. Been hanging out with a new crowd. They’re into some pretty wild stuff. You wouldn’t believe it!

Missing you? Nah, not really. But I’ll survive, I guess

Oh, and I could really use a favour. Need to borrow some cash. Hit me up if you can help a brother out

Mikey

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From: jodileigh@hotmail.com

To: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

Subject: You Big Meanie!

Attached File: newhaircolour.jpg

Okay, first off I love the new hair! It’s not exactly what I wanted, but it’s growing on me. I’ve attached a pic so you can stop being a big meanie

So, tell me more about these “wild” friends of yours. Are they troublemakers or something? You never talk about them. Are they gamers too? Maybe we can have a video game night sometime?

And what’s with the money thing? You know Mom’s been on my case about saving for college. My part-time job as a barista is paying for my guitar lessons so I’m a bit short right now too. Maybe we can figure something else out?

JoJo

PS- I know you’re missing me, you’re just too macho to admit it!

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From: jodileigh@hotmail.com

To: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

Subject: Missing You (More Than You Think!)

Hey!

I didn’t get a reply to my last e-mail? Is everything okay?

College must be crazy busy, huh? I remember when you pulled an all-nighter studying for that history exam and ended up locked in the library because you fell asleep! Mom and Dad weren’t impressed when the cops dragged you home, thinking you were a trespasser! I laughed so hard!

With all that work, I’m sure you’re looking forward to coming home for Thanksgiving and spending time with your favourite little sister? Mom’s already planning the feast and I set up the old console in the living room so I can whip your butt in Mario Kart!

Anyway, write back soon! Missing you tons, even if you won’t admit you miss me too!

Love, JoJo

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From: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

To: jodileigh@hotmail.com

Subject: Thanksgiving Break

Hey JoJo,

Sorry it has taken this long to reply. Things have been crazy here and when I’m not studying, I’m hanging out with my friends- they showed me a few new hang outs

Yes, I hopefully will be home for Thanksgiving. ‘Favourite little sister’? Jodi, you’re my ONLY sister and I still wonder why I wasn’t an only child!

See you soon

Mikey

PS- Your hair looks fine- the colour will fade when you wash it a few times

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From: jodileigh@hotmail.com

To: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

Subject: Blowing Off Your Family?

Attached File: familythanksgivingphoto.jpg

I can’t believe you didn’t come home for Thanksgiving! I hope it was that you were behind in your work cause blowing off your family for your new “friends” isn’t cool

I genuinely was looking forward to seeing you, the whole family was. Mom cooked your favourite- cinnamon pumpkin pie and cousin Sydney wanted to talk about/play the new fighting game with you

I cleared my whole schedule for the week and had scheduled some fun things for us to do. Maybe we could do an online gaming session to make it up to me? I made a new server in Minecraft if you wanted to join and help me transform a village? Or I could 1V1 you in Valo?

Jodi

PS- Attached photo really wasn’t the same without you in it

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From: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

To: jodileigh@hotmail.com

Subject: Plans Change

Hey Jodi,

Sorry about missing Thanksgiving. Something unexpected came up and I had to stay with a friend. I know it’s a crappy excuse, but it’s the truth

I’m really bummed about missing the family and the pie. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. We can definitely do that Minecraft thing when I’m home for winter break

Tell Mom and Dad I’m sorry too

Talk to you soon,

Mikael

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From: jodileigh@hotmail.com

To: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

Subject: URGENT: Need To Talk!

Mikael,

I’m genuinely WORRIED about you. Mom and Dad got a letter from your college today and it sounds serious. They said you’re failing your Software Engineering class and falling behind in others. Dad’s freaking out, talking about flying out there himself or getting Uncle Brodin to check on you. They’re arguing about the college costs and it’s a total mess

What’s going on, Mikael? This isn’t the brother I know. You NEED to explain yourself to Mom and Dad before things get even worse. Talk to them, or AT LEAST talk to me. You need to fix this before winter break, okay?

Please call me or reply to this email as soon as you can

Love, Jodi

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From: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

To: jodileigh@hotmail.com

Subject: I’ll Figure It Out

Jodi,

Chill. It’s not that big a deal. Just a rough patch with some classes. I’ve already got a plan to fix things, okay?

Don’t worry about Mom and Dad. I promise I’ll get my grades back up. Just need some time

Mikael

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From: jodileigh@hotmail.com

To: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

Subject: Ultimatum

Mikael,

I’m not buying this “rough patch” crap. Something’s seriously wrong. You’re not acting like yourself and failing classes isn’t you. I know you better than that

Don’t shut me out. You can tell me anything. Is it those new friends of yours? Are they leading you down the wrong path? Because that’s what it sounds like. Is that why you missed Thanksgiving?

I’m not going to sit here and watch you mess up your life. You better start talking to me or I will talk to Mom and Dad. This isn’t a joke Mikael

Jodi

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From: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

To: jodileigh@hotmail.com

Subject: Back Off

Jodi,

You’re acting crazy. I told you, I’m fine. You need to back off

Stop being such a pain. I’m dealing with my own stuff, okay?

Mikael

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From: jodileigh@hotmail.com

To: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

Subject: Bailed Out

Mikael,

I just got the worst phone call of my life. The police called to say you were arrested for public intoxication. I used all my savings to bail you out. The only reason I haven’t told Mom and Dad is because I know it would break their hearts and I can’t bear to see them hurt because of you

This is it, Mikael. This is my final e-mail. I can’t keep cleaning up your messes. It’s more than just the money; it’s the constant worry and the fear that you’ll end up seriously hurt. If you’re willing to risk your own safety doing stupid things with these so-called “friends” of yours, then I’m not going to be your safety net anymore. You need to get your act together and fast, before you end up doing something you can’t fix

I’m at my wit’s end and honestly I’m scared for you. I’m done. You’re on your own now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care. If you ever decide you need help, I’ll be here. But you have to reach out, Mikael

Jodi

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From: Mikael_Zhang_1990@aol.com

To: jodileigh@hotmail.com

Subject: I Need Help…

Attached File: bigbrothermeetslittlesister.jpg

Hey JoJo,

I know I screwed up. I’m an idiot, you’re right about everything

I’ve been hanging out with the wrong people and making really stupid decisions. I don’t even know why I do it. Maybe I felt lost and alone and they made me feel like I belonged. Doesn’t excuse it, though

I’m trying to figure out how to get out of this mess. I’ve been thinking about talking to someone, maybe getting some counselling to figure things out. I also think speaking to an academic advisor about my options with my classes might be a good idea. I just don’t know where to start, but I know it’s not going to be easy

I know I owe you a huge apology and I don’t expect you to forgive me right away. I just hope you know I’m trying. I messed up big time and I’m truly sorry for everything

I miss you, Jodi. I miss being normal, miss us being close

Maybe we can talk?

Mikael

PS- Photo is to remind me of what I want back- I want my little sister back

Saved to drafts 13/12 @ 05:42