The Big Sister Status Effect
Cast:
Cure Black, Misumi Nagisa – age 17
Cure White, Yukishiro Honoka – age 17
Yukishiro Jirou – newborn
December, 2006
"So this is your little brother?"
In response to Nagisa's question, her friend only nods. Jirou, Honoka's baby brother, is separated from the pair by thick glass. Having been born prematurely, he's smaller and redder than any baby Nagisa has ever seen.
"Is he going to be okay?"
"Probably? Maybe. The doctors say that if he survives the next six months, there shouldn't be many lasting effects." Honoka's voice is strained. "Mother and Father have been gone so often that it became natural for Grandmother to take care of me by herself. I never thought much about becoming a big sister, but the idea that Jirou might not make it is just..."
Nagisa winces. "This can't be happening..."
The pair are silent for several moments.
"I wonder if he'll get along with Tomoe."
Honoka stifles a giggle. "Shouldn't you worry about yourself, first?"
"Me? What do I have to worry about? If Tomoe grows up and gives me sass, that won't be any different from how I get along with Ryouta already. But Jirou is younger than Tomoe. If he's not careful, she could end up breaking his heart!"
This time, Honoka fails to suppress her giggle. "Are you sure about that? For all we know, Jirou could be the one breaking hearts."
"What? No way." Nagisa replies, completely serious. "I can forgive you for misunderstanding this, since you only have a brother, but my little sister actually is the cutest in the world."