More Time

Big sis keeps you safe. She won't be able to keep doing it for much longer. You're 15 now, in a couple years you'll be an adult like her. You'll be able to get your own job and take care of yourself. But for now, she keeps you safe.

You don't want to leave. You love your sister. Still, she insists that soon you'll be an adult, and you'll have to go out on your own. You wish you could slow down time, stretch out these last remaining years. Lose yourself in an eternity of warm embraces on cold nights, soft kisses, panting breath, gentle caresses. Inside you plead for it, to anyone or anything that might be listening. It becomes a ritual.

Every time her lips touch your neck, you plead for it to continue. Every time her hand grips your waist, you plead for another year. Every time you feel her warm breath on your thighs, you plead to stay here forever. Time still passes, day by day. Same as it ever was. It seems nothing is listening to your request, no matter how desperately you beg while your entire body tenses in ecstasy.

The year drags on, and your 16th birthday nears. The closer it gets, the more you find yourself unable to hold back from crying. Weeping at the passing of this precious time. It comes upon you unexpectedly, at any time of day. In school, at dinner, in bed. You weep. Your sister knows how much it's bothering you, but insists there's nothing she can do.

The day arrives. The tears are flowing as soon as you wake up. You drag yourself out of bed and stumble down the stairs. Your sister has placed a candle on your stack of pancakes, shaped like a number. 15. Your brow wrinkles in confusion, and you turn toward her. "Uh… sis?"

"What's up, kiddo?"

"What's with this candle?"

"What do you mean? It's your birthday, silly."

"No, I know, but… why does it say 15?"

"... Because that's how old you are? Look, I know you're not super pumped about getting older, but it's not like you're just gonna turn 14 again." Her face displays a look of confusion. At first you suspected she was messing with you, but… she's not that good of an actor. You shrug, and sit down to eat. By the time you're finished, you've decided to keep up your ritual.