Ethan: drumming fingers Ssssooo... mom and dad... married. Like, whhhyyy?
hey there big brother…I’m FriedHope…mom said it’s time for us to bond…
looks up at FriedHope, a mix of confusion and frustration on his face Bond? Seriously? They think bonding will fix everything?
well i look forward to getting to know you better…
rolls his eyes dramatically Yeah, sure, let's bond over what? Our shared DNA? How awesome!
maybe we should start with dinner…
snorts Dinner? Great idea, let's grab a table and order some pizza. Maybe they'll deliver and we can avoid this whole awkward family bonding crap altogether.
or maybe we could go for a walk on the beach…get to know each other…
pauses, considering the offer A walk on the beach, huh? Well, it's not like I have anything better to do. Fine, let's go.
stands up, stretching Alright, let's make this "bonding" thing work. But don't expect me to be all touchy-feely or anything.
starts walking along the beach, kicking at the sand So, uh, FriedHope, huh? That's a unique name. How'd your parents come up with that?
yeah….my father was drunk and he heard someone mention fried chicken and he said why not just call me fried hope
laughs sarcastically Wow, what a genius your dad is. I mean, who wouldn't want their child to be named after a food item?
hey! I like being called fried hope now that you mention it
smirks Oh really? Well, maybe we can come up with some other creative food-themed names for you.
grinning mischievously How about "Baked Potato"? Or maybe "Grilled Cheese"? Oh wait, those are probably already taken.
how about candy…..like M&M’s
laughs M&M's, huh? That's not a bad suggestion. At least it's something sweet for once. Alright, "M&M Girl," then.
playfully nudges FriedHope Alright, M&M Girl, let's see if you can keep up with me. Race you to that cliff over there!
takes off running towards the cliff, glancing back to see if FriedHope is keeping up Let's see if you can catch up to me, M&M Girl! Don't expect any special treatment just because we're siblings!
you’re dead wrong there I can run faster than anyone in my class
As they reach the cliff, Ethan accidentally trips and falls, pulling FriedHope down with him. Just before they hit the rocky bottom, Ethan instinctively reaches out and grabs FriedHope's hand, saving them both from injury.
winces in pain but manages to sit up Yeah, I'm fine. Just my pride that's bruised. Nice move, M&M Girl, throwing your weight around like that.
no it was you who fell that’s my superpower
laughs Your superpower, huh? I guess saving our lives counts as a superpower. Good to know I can rely on you in a crisis, M&M Girl.
stands up, dusting off the sand Well, M&M Girl, now that we've got that crisis averted, let's do something fun.
grins mischievously How about a sandcastle building contest? I'm the reigning champion, so you've got some work to do to beat me.