Chapter 82. Sibling Bonds - V

“What is it?” Michael asked, puzzled. It was really out of the blue.

“You used to pester me all the time even before the accident, right?” Joanna shook her head. “You were so annoying at that time. Like a brat who just wouldn’t stop.”

Michael hesitated. “That was…” He raised a hand to rub his temples. He could feel the heat creeping up his neck from embarrassment. “I just wanted your attention. You were always avoiding me and just holed up in your room. Even though Will played with me whenever he was there, I longed for your attention, too. I also wanted to play with you.”

She scoffed, but there was a soft look in her eyes that she couldn’t conceal. “Not a chance. Even then, I was not interested in playing with a kid.”

“I figured as much after all the yelling you directed at me.”

“You deserved it. Annoying little brat.”

Michael couldn’t help the small, amused smile that curved his lips.

Joanna turned her eyes to him, and now any trace of col