My sister is just like me. My friends all say that she is an identical copy; from our hair, our voice, even our glasses. It goes deeper than that, though. We both struggle along the social aspect of life, unbeknownst to many. Feeling like we don’t belong, feeling as if everything we have, all the friends we’ve made, can crumble at any moment. Sure, middle school is horrible for everyone, but it’s worse when you feel like you can’t trust anyone. When I went through middle school, it made me realize that not everyone is on your side, looking out for you. That friends aren’t always what they seem, and sneaking suspicions may sometimes be right. My sister is just starting middle school, and already these realizations plague her. She doesn’t necessarily understand yet, but she knows that people are cruel. More so, people are changing. 

I ask if she wants to do something together, play a game or watch a movie. She’s probably surprised; we haven’t hung out together, alone, in forever. It’s mostly my fault; I get busy with homework, and dealing with other issues. It’s a reality she’s come to accept, her big sister has more important things to do. So she quickly accepts, and we plop down on the couch to pick out our activity. I don’t tell her about what is going on with her friends. I figure she can indulge in the blissful naivete for a few more months. But I notice when she’s with me, she genuinely enjoys herself. She doesn’t have to worry about what is going on with her friends, or what she’s going to do about it. And frankly, I don’t have to worry about the issues going on in my life either. All we know is, the both of us have each other looking out for the other.