I sighed, sitting at my desk in my room. I've been studying a lot lately. I wanted to impress my brother so much and become smarter. Of course, I've gotten more schoolwork which has taken a lot out of me, but I won't let that stop me. I glanced at the clock. It was already midnight and I hadn't even gotten close to finishing my homework. I looked at my bed. It was so tempting but I turned back to my work and set my mind to finish before I went to bed.
* * *
I jumped as the alarm went off. I groaned after turning it off. I fell asleep at my desk again... Well, at least I finished my work. As I stood up, a wave of light-headedness ran through me. I ignored it and went to make breakfast for Big Brother. I crack some eggs along with some toast. After a few minutes, I finished and I heard a yawn a few feet away. I saw Big Beother shuffling to the kitchen.
"Morning, Big Brother." I said softly.
He smiled as I placed a plate in front of him. He thanked me as I did that.
"Sorry. We need to get groceries so there isn't as much as usual," I said sadly.
"It's fine. This is good enough." He said, patting my head.
He had finished all of it by the time I had sat down. His stomach growled as he finished.
"Sorry," I said quietly.
His eyes narrowed and looked concerned.
"Are you OK?" He asked.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You're never this quiet or apologetic," He said, concerned.
I opened my mouth to reply, but no words would come out.
"OK, Twily what's wrong?" He asked with a more serious tone.
"Nothing's wrong," I replied, pushing my plate towards him.
"You can have mine, I'm not that hungry," I said.
I started walking out of the kitchen when another wave of dizziness took over me. I stopped and put a hoof on my head.
"Twily…"
"I'm fine Big Brother, really." I said.
I took a step and...
"Twily!" He yelled.
I could barely hear what he said and my vision was blurry. All I could tell was his hoof touching my forehead. I felt flustered and I could barely get up without feeling sick.
"Your burning up. Your're staying home today," He said, picking me up.
Next thing I knew, I was on my bed and he left the room. After about a minute, he came back. I felt something on my forehead. My eyes fluttered open and looked at him.
"I'm fine." I whispered.
"No you're not. You have a fever," He said softly.
"But…"
I trailed off as sleep was starting to take over. The last thing I heard before passing out what,
"Your're straining yourself."
* * *
I woke up and looked at the clock. It was noon-ish. I turned my head to see light blue eyes staring intently at me.
"I missed school," I whispered.
"That doesn't matter. You would have worked yourself to death." He said, concerned.
"I'm fine-"
"NO! You collapsed from working too hard. Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling good?" He asked with a scared voice.
"I-I just wanted to impress you and be someone you can be proud of. That isn't possible if I can't do my best, is it?" I said quietly.
His eyes widened and he seemed to be shocked by my response.
"You…"
"I'll be fine. I'm sure if I go now, I can still-"
I trailed off as a coughing fit shook the words away. He rubbed his hoof up and down my back.
"Sorry, Big Brother. Guess I can't impress you after all," I said as the coughing subsided.
He grabbed my shoulders and looked me in the eyes.
"Twily, you're already an amazing sister. You don't have to work yourself to death for me," He said sincerely.
I looked away.
"I'm not smart enough. I've never been smart enough. I can't st-"
"You know for a bookworm, you can be really silly sometimes," He said, stopping me mid sentence.
I glared at him.
"Even if you become the smartest pony in the world, it's no good if you tire yourself out in the progress. That's like having all the fame in the world but no one to share it with," He said.
"But-"
"But nothing. I won't let you mentally strain yourself. If you need a break or need some alone time, don't hesitate to tell me. I don't want to feel like I'm pushing you too hard, OK?" He asked.
"Ok..." I said, somewhat reluctant.
He smirked.
"I'll go get some soup," He said, about to leave.
Before he moved any further, I hugged him and said,
"I promise to not strain myself anymore."
He turned, smiling his crooked smile.
"Just get better, OK?" He asked.
I smiled back at him.
"You're such a cool pony… and a great brother," I said, smiling.
He hugged me back and pushed me gently toward the bed then turned to go make some soup. He turned in the doorway to look at me.
"You made me that way." He whispered.
I smiled into my pillow. He thinks I didn't hear it but I did.
I'm starting to feel better already.
