“It’s Mom,” Jon said looking at Zoe. “She’s acting all weird.”
“Weird in what way?” Zoe asked confused.
“Well, like yesterday,” Jon started. “One moment she was talking about you hanging out with your friends and then she said that you were at work. And then she asked me to help her with her homework.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Zoe said shrugging her shoulders. “Other than Mom mentioning my friends. We weren’t hanging out, we were actually working.”
“And that’s the other thing,” Jon added. “Since when do you go to work?” He shook his head. “It’s like everything’s being reversed or something.
Zoe looked at Jon. This wasn’t like her brother, he was usually happy. Always greeting Zoe with a smile when got home from work, looking after their parents and making sure that food was always on the table. Zoe could tell that something was bothering him.
“Look. Honey,” Zoe said coming over and putting her arm around Jon’s shoulder.
“I can tell that you're stressed out.” She said causing Jon to look at her, he opened his mouth to say something but Zoe shushed him. “Whatever Linda’s going through, I’m sure it’s just a phase. She’ll be back to normal soon.
And as for things at work, how about tomorrow I take you out for a meal?” Zoe asked gazing into Jon’s eyes.
“I…” Jon wanted to go on more, but the feeling of Zoe’s arm around him actually felt kind of nice as did the idea of a meal out. “That sounds great.” Jon said letting out a weak smile.
Zoe nodded.
“Then it’s settled then. I’ll ask Mikey and see if he’s ok to look after the parents tonight and then I’ll make sure to leave work on time.” She told him and then with a smile she added. “Now why don’t you go and get dressed?” She suggested turning him in the direction of the bathroom and giving him a playful slap on the bottom.
Jon involuntary giggled at Zoe’s actions as he made his way to the bathroom. It was only as he closed the door behind him that he remembered what Zoe had said.
“Wait, did you say Linda?” Jon called out opening the door and poking his head out, but Zoe had already left.
