| Rebel He’s a rebel now. Glenn, my little brother, never used to assert himself—but now he’s the tallest 4-year-old I’ve ever seen. Ham and cheese on toasted white bread. That’s my lunch, and it’s supposed to be his, too. I wrinkle my nose at the mundane fare and sit down to eat. But Glenn wants peanut butter and jelly. He eats that every day. I don’t know why Mommy’s insisting on ripping the fabric of Glenn’s daily routine – but she wants him to eat that sandwich. “Don’t waste your food,” she reminds him. His nervous refusal turns into an adamant stance. She doesn’t budge. Mommy vs. Glenn—no doubt who will win this one. My heart cheers for my brother, but as he glances at me for a quick dose of guidance, my eyes only plead that he doesn’t upset our mother any longer. He really hates ham and cheese. “If you don’t eat your food, I’m going to call the police and they’ll take you to jail. Do you want to go to jail?” “No.” “Then eat your sandwich.” “No.” I can see Mommy’s angry-face wrinkles appear. Glenn cowers. I can see his lips trembling. I have to do something. “Mommy, I’ll eat his sandwich! Just make him a peanut butter and jelly!” She picks up the phone and pretends to call 911. “Hello? My son is disobeying me. Can you come pick him up and take him to jail? Ok. See you soon.” Glenn listens, makes his way down the stairs, and puts on his shoes. Mom and I are thinking the same thing. Glenn wants to run away. “What are you doing?” she asks as he fastens the Velcro on his sneakers. He takes a seat on a step facing the door. “I’m waiting for the police.” 300 words ::02/04/04:: (written for a class in 09/02) |
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