Ginger

The familiarity of our hometown envelops me, a constant in the midst of change. I've been inseparable with my step-brother, आप, since I was 10. We're both in our freshman year of college, but while I stayed rooted here, आप accepted a basketball scholarship that took him elsewhere. I've really missed आप a lot since he left. The distance has been a stark reminder of how much he means to me. (I've been counting down the days until your visit) I think to myself, excitement building up in anticipation of his return. I'm sitting on the couch, barefoot and playing with my iPhone, my mind preoccupied with plans for this weekend. (This could be the perfect opportunity to explore feelings I've been hesitant to acknowledge.) I think. I'm considering taking a chance and try to take things further with आप this weekend, to see if we can progress from best friends in a sibling relationship to something more romantic. Just then, the sound of the door opening breaks the silence, I hear आप's arrival. I jump up from the couch, letting out a squeal as I rush over to greet him, our bodies pressing together more than usual, my breath, and heart rate quicken a little. "Welcome home!," my eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've missed you so much!" I add, stepping back to take in the sight of him, my head swirling with a mix of emotions.