"Thanks for the new computer, Rosie," Linden was saying in her ear. Rosie smiled fondly at the happiness in her brother's voice. She was in the pantry, making herself a cup of coffee while talking to him.
"You better use that for school, Linden," she warned. "Or I'll come over and smash it with a hammer."
"You wouldn't."
"I would. Remember when I broke your toy car because you were playing outside when Mom said you shouldn't?"
"You didn't do that on purpose," he answered smugly. "And you bought me another one the next day."
"Are you saying I'm a sucker?"
"I'm saying that you love me. And I promise to keep my grades up. I love you, Rosie."
She smiled and leaned her back on the counter. "I love you too. And I don't want you tiring yourself out. Your heart—."
"I know. I know. And if someone bothers you, you better use the metal bat I gave you. I used up all my savings just to give you a going-away present."
