Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Alex stormed into the room, making it feel even more confined. There were no windows, just a small bed, an old desk with a few books, a desk fan, and boxes stacked in the corner.
Ts Aaron really letting you live in this dump? Alex grumbled, giving a cardboard box a kick.
Ellie stepped in front of the box, shielding it. “What’s your problem?” she retorted. She’d spent weeks finding this place, and it was close to the hospital with cheap rent.
“Even the homeless wouldn’t live here. Alex said, shaking his hel
Ignoring him, Ellie turned to tidy up her books.
Alex plopped down on the bed, making it creak loudly. “You call this a bed? I’m surprised it hasn’t collapsed yet, he
commented
i
Ellie glanced at the wobbling bed and quickly moved to steady ‘Stop shaking it,” she warned.
Their eyes met, and Alex stood up. Ellie breathed a sigh of relief But then, Alex stomped on the edge of the bed, and it
crashed to the floor.
Ellie stared at the broken bed, and then at Alex.
Alex sneered. “Don’t make a fuss about it. You’ve got this amazing brother; why don’t you let him buy you a new one?”
“You broke my bed! What does that have to do with my brother Ellie was anxious.
When she rented this place, the landlord took a 160–dollar deposit. Now the bed was ruined, and she had nowhere to sleep. Plus, there was no way she was getting her deposit back.
Alex shrugged, stepping on the wreckage. “You always get defensive when I mention Aaron.”
“He’s my brother,” Ellie said, crossing her arms.
Alex looked at her intently. Just when Ellie thought he might storm out, he asked, “If both your brother and I fell into the water, who would you save first?”
Ellie was taken aback. “You and Aaron can swim. I can’t, she replied.
“I mean hypothetically, Alex said, leaning closer. “What if you could swim, and neither of us could? If we both fell in, who would you save fint?”
Td save Aaron, Ellie said without hesitation.
Alex playfully tapped her head. “Let me ask again. Who would you save first?”
Ellie rubbed her head. “I’d save Aaron
Seeing Alex raise his hand again, Ellie shrank back.
“You have to save me first, Alex said firmly, pointing at her forehead.
Ellie took a step back, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
