Brothers

Brothers

Walking by the garage window, Jake saw his brother Ted inside, over in Dad’s workshop. Leaning in, he said, “We’re not allowed in there!”

“I just needed a screwdriver. I’ll put it back before he even knows!”

But, just then, the garage door started going up. With no way for Ted to escape, Jake said, “You’re in trouble now.”

“Watch and learn brother,” Ted said, smugly.

As Dad got out of the car, the look on his face said plenty, “You are not allowed in here without permission.”

“I just saw a mouse run in!” Ted said, so sincerely Jake almost believed him himself.

“How?” Dad asked.

“It squeezed under the door! I was trying to see where it went in case it had a nest in here!”

“I see!” Dad said, “Well, let’s go in, nothing we can do now it’s almost suppertime. Go wash up!”

Ted ran in, flicking a weird ‘told you so’ smile at Jake as he passed the window.

As Jake turned to leave, Dad was there. “I know your brother was fibbing to stay out of trouble.”

“You do? Why did you let him get away with it?”

“I didn’t, I just let him get away with it in front of you, so he wouldn’t be embarrassed. I want the two of you to respect each other. Maybe he’ll tell you himself, maybe not, this way he has a chance.”

“Is it tough being a Dad?” Jake asked, suddenly.

“Sometimes. But I know it’s tougher being a brother, I have one, Uncle Henry. I’d like it to be easier for you and Ted than it was for us.”

“Thanks Dad, but I’m pretty sure Ted’s gonna end up in prison eventually, with his scheming.”

“Well, at least he’ll have a friend, right?”

“I promise.”