Stewart leaned against the wall, looking miserable. “I’m really sorry, Jess. I didn’t know he’d pull something like this.”
I shrugged, feeling angry and exhausted. “It’s not your fault. My brother’s an idiot.”
Jess and Stewart having a frank discussion outside the restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Adam arrived, his smug grin making me want to scream. “Hey, folks. Problem with the bill?”
I glared at him. “This isn’t funny, Adam. You went too far. Why did you set this trap for us? For your own amusement? It’s totally unacceptable.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright. I’ll pay. Relax.”
Adam sauntered in, and moments later, returned with a receipt. “There. All settled. Happy now?”
“You think this is a joke? You humiliated me,” I snapped.
Adam shrugged. “Lighten up, Jess. It was just a prank. I wanted to spice your lives up a little, give you guys an adventure.”
Stewart looked at Adam, then at me. “I’m really sorry. I had no idea.”
“It’s okay, Stewart. This isn’t on you,” I said, glaring at my brother.
Adam arriving with a laugh, ready to ‘rescue’ the situation | Source: Midjourney
We stood outside the restaurant, the night now feeling heavy and cold. The security guard watched us closely. Stewart shifted awkwardly. “I hope you can forgive me, Jess. I’d like to make it up to you.”
I nodded slowly. “Maybe. I just need some time to think.”
Adam, still grinning, gave me a playful punch on the arm. “Come on, Jess. It wasn’t that bad.”
I shook my head. “You don’t get it, Adam. You’ve crossed a line.”
Jess and Stewart sharing a moment of understanding | Source: Midjourney
As Adam walked away, whistling, I turned to Stewart. “I’m sorry about tonight. I didn’t expect any of this.”
“It’s okay,” he said quietly. “I get it.”
We shared a moment of understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the disappointment we both felt. As we parted ways, I betrayed by my brother. Stewart, still apologetic, watched me go.
“Goodnight, Jess,” he called after me.
“Goodnight, Stewart,” I replied, my voice tinged with regret.
As I walked home, I realized I needed to reassess my trust in both my brother and those around me. Adam’s pranks had gone too far, and it was time to set some boundaries.
Jess walking home, deep in thought about setting new boundaries with her brother | Source: Midjourney
What would you have done? If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you about a waitress who texted with a stranger, posing as a woman he’d met there before.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
