Suprise

“I'm so—” I start to apologize, but Albert laughs. “It's not my birthday,” he says. I'm confused. “It's for you, Bindi.” “Me?” I say. “It's not my birthday, either.” Albert leads me to the chair. He hands me the present. I open it. It's one of those plastic trophy things. It says: “World's Best Sister.” I get all choked up. “I'm really proud of you,” says Albert. “You are?” “Totally. You came through a really rough time, Bindi.” “Not always with flying colors,” I say. “True, but you never gave up.” “I thought I did, sometimes. And you went to all this trouble?” Albert shrugs. “It's what brothers do.” Albert's grandmother pops her head in. I look up. Megan and Kyra are in the doorway, smiling. Mrs. Poole leads us all over to the table. The message on the cake reads: “Bravo to Our Bindi!” “Wow!” says Kyra. Megan turns to Albert. “Need another sister?”