I Always Wanted a Sibling

I always wanted a little sibling when I was growing up. As I got older, Mom told me “it’s just not possible”. They never explained why, but I always felt like it was an ominous way to say no. As I got older, I became more curious and asked more questions. It turned from “it’s just not possible” to “stop asking about it”. I finally forgot about it as I got older - that void being filled by all of my friends at school.

“Syd, wake up.” A distorted voice whispers, pulling me out of my sleep. I feel a small push on my arm.

I open my eyes and see a small figure standing next to me. I blink a few times until the figure turns into a little boy, someone I have never seen before. I let out a scream and push myself as far away from him as I can. “MOM! DAD!” The boy stands next to my bed, his smile not faltering at my reaction to him.

My parents footsteps stomp down the hallway, then they burst into my room. They look at the boy, then my dad looks at me. My mom’s eyes stay locked on the boy. “W-what’s wrong, honey?” My dad stammers, he nudges Mom with his elbow and she finally looks at me.

“Hello? There is a kid in my room!” I shout, not able to control myself. “Why are you acting like this is normal?”

Mom takes an abnormally deep breath and shakes her head. “You mean your brother? Honey, don’t be silly.” She shows off the fakest smile I have ever seen. “Miles, why don’t you go lay down? Your sister is just startled after being woken up so suddenly.”

“Ok, Mommy. Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Sissy.” The boy waits for me to respond.

Say it back. My mom mouths at me from the doorway.

“G-goodnight?” I respond hesitantly.

The boy turns and runs away. His footsteps fade into quiet.

“Mom-” She cuts me off with a shush.

Dad very slowly closes the door and Mom sits on my bed. “Sydney, you need to whisper now.”

Their actions don’t help me feel any better about what just happened. “Who is that kid? Why are we acting like that’s my brother?” She grabs my hand and shushes me again.

“I didn’t know when this was going to happen. I don’t know why he’s doing this now. I need you to act like everything is completely normal when he is around, do you understand me?”

“What? No-”

“Sydney, this is life or death. You have to go along with what he says to you any time he is around.” Dad cuts me off. His hand is still on the door as if trying to keep someone out.

My Mom’s eyes widen when we hear footsteps bouncing down the hallway. They get louder and louder as they come closer to my room, then stop right outside of my door. “Mommy? Are you still there? Will you tuck me in?”

“Y-yes, honey. I’ll be there soon!” Her voice shakes and she swallows hard. She doesn’t speak again until the footsteps run back down the hallway. “Please, don’t ask anymore questions right now.”

She quickly stands and rushes down the hallway. Dad stays by my door and gives me a sad smile. “We’ll try to explain more tomorrow. Get some sleep, kiddo.” He starts to close the door, but stops and glances around. “Feel free to lock your door if it makes you feel better.” With that, he’s gone.

I’m woken up by the sun beaming through my window. I stretch and let out a loud yawn. Then my body freezes as last night’s events unfold in my mind. That had to be a dream.

A knock at the door makes me jump and hit my head on the shelf above my bed. “Ouch!” I grab my head and rub the spot that hit.

“You okay, Syd?” Dad’s voice carries through the door. The door handle jiggles.

“Yeah, yeah.” I tell him and go to open the door. “I’m good.”

I open the door and see Mom and Dad standing in front of me. They look freshly rested and have big smiles on their faces.

“Good morning, dear!” Mom exclaims cheerily. I notice her swallow hard and glance to her left. “Are you feeling better this morning?”

“I-Um, yeah.” I say plainly. Her smile reminds me of the one she had in my dream. Like she’s trying to convince someone that nothing is wrong. My dad’s eyes haven’t moved from mine, like he’s gauging how I’m feeling.

“Let’s go eat breakfast.” He finally says, reaching out to grab my arm. He notices my hesitation and pulls me harder. “Most important meal of the day!”

We walk down the hallway, Mom in front of me and Dad following close behind. We round the corner to the dining room and I stop in my tracks causing Dad to bump into me. Sitting alone at the table with a plate full of food is the same boy who woke me up last night. It wasn’t a dream.

“No-” I begin, but I’m abruptly cut off.

“I know you don’t really enjoy orange juice, Syd. Why not just try it? Just for today.” Mom interjects as she sits down. Her scared, wide eyes contradict her smile.

“Sit next to your mother, Sydney.” My dad says sternly, taking the seat next to the boy. I don’t know if he did that to make me feel better, but it doesn’t help. Now I sit directly across from this boy who claims to be my brother, who my parents are terrified of.

“I want to sit by sissy.” The boy pouts and slumps in his chair.

Mom and Dad look wearily at each other, then at me. “I’m fine here.” I tell them sternly.

The boy looks down, tears already filling his eyes. “You don’t want to sit next to me?”

“Sweetie, let’s switch seats. Just this once-”

“No, I don’t want to sit next to him. I don’t even know who this kid is! Why are we acting like this is normal?” This is life or death. My dad’s words replay in my head. 

The only noise is the clink of the fork Mom drops on her plate. Dad silently stares at me, mouth agape. The boy, once looking down at the floor, now slowly raises his head. His eyes are eerily darker than before.

“What,” His voice sounds deep. Demonic, with a strange gurgle. “Did you say, sissy?”

“She’s just not feeling well, hon. Ignore-” A loud snap echoes in my ears as Mom collapses onto the table, her face falling into her scrambled eggs.

“NO!” Dad yells, starting to stand. His attempt at reaching for my mother is cut off by his head exploding in a million small, bloody pieces.

I’m frozen in place, watching the scene unfold before me, unable to make a sound.

“Why don’t you remember me, sissy?” The boy asks sweetly. His eyes are no longer dark. He looks over at my mom and pats her head. Her wide, empty eyes looking directly at me. “Don’t you just love our mommy?”