Just an Act

"Crack" 

"You broke it! You broke it!" Ron shouts. Already sweat is breaking out on his brow. I toss a glare his way to shut him up. Mother will never know. 

"Clean it up. Now!" I snap. His blue eyes fill with fear and he nods. My younger brother by a year and my slave since he was old enough to walk. He knows Mother will be mad if she finds out and we both will suffer. 

The shattered vase on the floor was not Mother's favorite, but it will be missed. Ron squeaks as he cuts his finger. I can only stare at him and wonder how such a fool has ever lived for six long years. 

"Your such an idiot! Hurry up!" I bark. Already I can hear the car tires on the gravel drive.   "And don't say a word to Mother. Not a word," I add. 

Ron nods once again and finishes with the mess. When he turns to face me I see he still holds one piece. Gripping the piece between his fingers he plunges it into to my throat. 

"Secrets are harder to keep with two people. Don't worry, I will make sure Mother never finds out," 

All this time his submission has been an act.  

His lie of five years is gone, but so am I.