“Would you miss me?” She asked curiously with bright eyes and a wide smile, eyeing her brother. Simon’s reply, from his position on the floor, was an unintelligible grunt that suggested he found his homework far more interesting then any questions his sister provided. “Simon,” she tried again, a sigh of exasperation accompanying his name. “Pay attention to me,” she intoned, both hands clasped behind her back as she bounced on the balls of her feet before him.

“You know what they say,” he began, eyebrows drawn together as he worked on the problem before him despite her presence in his room. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” he repeated, which judging by the slight cluck of her tongue against her teeth, was not the answer she was looking for.

“Simon,” and he could practically hear her eyes rolling, “I’m being serious.”

“So am I. I read that quote in a book somewhere, one of the ones you liked actually,” he reminded her, pencil working away at the problem still. She would tire of the game eventually and he would be able to finish his last problem in peace.

“Your parameter is wrong,” she told him offhandedly as she peered over his shoulder and favored him with her condescending voice.

“River,” he started but then with eyes turned skyward, gave up. There was no winning when she was determined. Rolling over on his back he threw his pencil at her playfully. “You’re so spoiled, you know? Now go on and ask me your question for I fear I will get little done until you are satisfied,” he admonished, a playful smile on his face.

“The Academy left a vid for me again, asking for my decision. I don’t know if I should go or not. The program is interesting but…”

“But?” He questioned, with a single eyebrow raised in query. “Why are you hesitant? I thought you wanted to go.”

“I don’t know Simon, it’s just so far away. I wouldn’t get to see you save for holidays. Wouldn’t you miss me?”

“River, of course,” he told her honestly, sitting up and drawing her down beside him. He pulled her into a warm embrace, hands cupping her neck and stroking her hair in a soothing way. “I will miss you terribly but you need to decide if the Academy is what you really want. There are other programs closer to home that offer good curriculums, which we know more about. The Academy is unique in what it offers though,” he reasoned. “Listen to your heart,” he told her.

She sighed against his chest, eyes closing as she took comfort in his embrace. She didn’t want to leave it, leave this behind for anything. Simon had chosen a medical school close to home to be near her a little voice reminded. They could write letters and send another one argued. Yet nothing could replace this, being able to touch and feel and laugh and play and that thought curved her lips upward. “I think I’ll stay,” she whispered into his neck, feeling his smile form against her cheek. “Besides, who else can help you with your abysmal math skills but your brilliant sister?”