“Kids! Come into the kitchen! I got a surprise for you!”

“Surprise! It’s cake!”

“What’s this for, Dad?”

“Well, since your mother’s out for dinner with some of her friends from work, I figured it’d be a nice idea to get a cake to celebrate Rebecca getting into the Smuggsworth Program! It’s quite the accomplishment, you know.”

“So you’re really going?”

“Yeah, I talked with Dad and we agreed it’d be good to challenge myself.”

“Congratulations! I’m so proud of you!”

“Mmhm, I think we all are, Louis.”

“Yeah, uh, congrats, I guess…”

“Louis… can I tell you something?”

“Of course you can.”

“I don’t really want Rebecca to go to that stupid program. Something about it makes me feel kinda bad.”

“Like you’re gonna miss her? You still see her everyday.”

“Yeah, but… I feel kinda like… Why can’t I go with her? I feel kinda not good enough I guess.”

“Hey, buddy, don’t say that. I think you’re good enough.”

“Yeah but you’re not a fancy program that decides who the smart kids are. You’re my brother.”

“That program… is a butt. Don’t let that get you down.”

“Heehee, you said butt!”

“I guess I did, huh?”

“You’re the best big brother ever!”

“So, Rebecca, have you decided if you’re going into the Smuggsworth Program yet?”

“I dunno, maybe. I haven’t really thought about it yet.”

“Well, the school year is almost starting. You’ll have to decide pretty soon.”

“Hm, I guess it could be fun, but I’m kinda worried Michael would feel bad.”

“Feel bad? I’m sure he’ll handle it just fine… probably.”