"Chiro! Will you play tag with me?" Amy said eagerly.
Chiro sighed, "I'm sorry, Amy...I have a lot of homework today. Maybe some other time?"
Her face dimmed, "Ok.."
Chiro had been really busy those days. He had homework to do, or go to the library for research, or hang out with friends, whatever. He wasn't spending ANY time with his little sister.
He barely talked to her. Or anyone, for that matter.
Amy tried catching his attention. She made drawings, sketches, solved difficult maths sums, well...difficult for a 9 year old. She even balanced things on her head!
But Chiro didn't even notice her.
He didn't sleep with her, either. He always made some or the other excuse.
She didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to express her feelings. She thought of making a pretty card for him, but she knew he wouldn't even look at the cover.
So, she waited for his busy days to end.
A whole month passed.
Nothing changed.
"Chiro.."
"Not now, Amy." Chiro didn't look up from his computer, "I'm on the tenth level!"
"I miss you..." Amy had tears in her eyes.
"What do you mean? I'm right here!" He still didn't look up.
"No, you're not. You're never here...You're never with me..."
"What're you talking about?" Finally, Chiro clicked the save game button and turned towards Amy.
"I'm here right now." He said, and knelt down to her.
Amy couldn't stop herself. She hugged him really tight. Tears streamed down her face.
"Amy.." Chiro couldn't see her cry, "I don't understand..."
"You never play with me...you don't see my drawings...you...you never talk to me..."
His eyes grew wide. He understood. Amy needed time. She was a growing girl. She needed love. Patience. Care.
He broke the hug, "Oh, Amy...I'm-I'm so sorry..." He wiped off the tears from her eyes, "I promise, I'll play with you. Everyday." He smiled, "And I'll be extra-nice to you."
Amy hugged him again, "I won't let go now.."
He chuckled, "Don't worry. I won't go anywhere."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Let's go, now!"
"Wh-where?"
"The park. Don't you wanna play tag?"
Amy beamed. She could finally play with her brother. "YEAH! OF COURSE!"
She held Chiro's hand and they both went to the park. He even bought her some ice-cream.
Ever since, no matter how busy Chiro was, he always spent time with her sister.
Always.
