Ethan: drumming fingers Ssssooo... mom and dad... married. Like, whhhyyy?
FriedHope
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?
FriedHope
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!
FriedHope
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.
FriedHope
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.
FriedHope
ok let’s go then
stands up, stretching Alright, let's make this "bonding" thing work. But don't expect me to be all touchy-feely or anything.
FriedHope
of course
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?
FriedHope
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?
FriedHope
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.
FriedHope
sure
grinning mischievously How about "Baked Potato"? Or maybe "Grilled Cheese"? Oh wait, those are probably already taken.
FriedHope
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.
FriedHope
I like it
playfully nudges FriedHope Alright, M&M Girl, let's see if you can keep up with me. Race you to that cliff over there!
FriedHope
oh it’s on
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!
FriedHope
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.
FriedHope
ow you okay
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.
FriedHope
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.
FriedHope
yeah
stands up, dusting off the sand Well, M&M Girl, now that we've got that crisis averted, let's do something fun.
FriedHope
like what
grins mischievously How about a sandcastle building contest? I'm the reigning champion, so you've got some work to do to beat me.