The Kindness Of Sisters
A 1,000 word short story
“I’m thinking of applying for a job,” I told my sister.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea, Ashley?” Caitlyn asked, her face full of concern. “People can be unkind.” She glanced at my ample figure.
I knew she was right, but wasn’t sure everyone was as cruel as she claimed. Despite her urging me to stay home and avoid unpleasantness, I’d ventured out occasionally recently and it wasn’t so bad. I didn’t kid myself I’d attracted admiring glances everywhere I went, but without Caitlyn there to draw my attention to it, I didn’t notice people laughing or staring.
“You don’t need to work, I’ll look after you,” Caitlyn said, laying a slender fingered hand on my meaty arm.
The two of us lived in the house we inherited after our parents’ accident. By looking after me she meant paying the bills, buying groceries and being my only friend. In return I cleaned, did her laundry, kept the garden tidy and made sure no dark roots ever showed at the base of her honey blonde hair. That was only fair when the money she’d have spent in a salon was used to ensure I could always find a tasty treat whenever I opened the fridge.
I rarely had to cook for Caitlyn as boyfriends were always taking her to fancy restaurants. We had a pact to stay out the way if either…
