Todd stood on the porch with his Top Racing RC Car Double Pack. One for him, and one for his sister… maybe.

Michelle wouldn’t come to the door at first. Alex let his brother in, and took the kids outside because he knew what was about to happen. Ella called out “I LOVE YOU, UNCLE TODD!” at the top of her lungs and the bedroom door slammed in comment. Todd looked sheepish as Alex hit him on the shoulder.

“Why did you do that, man? You should have at least told her you were taking Ella!”

Todd had no answer. He walked towards Michelle’s bedroom with the Top Racing RC Car Double Pack under his arm. He’d bought it because… well, maybe because he was stupid. But today he’d remembered the summer that he and his sister opened a different RC car, and those nights on the patio surrounded by fireflies. Todd always hogged it and ran the batteries down and Michelle said that wasn’t fair, so he promised that one day, as soon as he saved up enough money, he’d buy Michelle her own RC car.

Todd was just a kid, of course, so the promise went right out the window. But today he’d seen the Top Racing RC Car Double Pack’s full function remote control in action and figured maybe, just maybe, an RC car would be a reminder of when the he and his sister were kids… and best friends.

Except now that he was here, standing alone in a dark hallway in front of a closed door, he was doubting his decision.

And what was he going to say in the first place? “Sis, love you, this car has real rubber tires and a realistic look.” “Michelle, I’m sorry I took your daughter without asking, please join me in a head-to-head race.” “This Top Racing RC Car Double Pack goes in every direction, Michelle, and I can’t believe how selfish you’re being by carrying a grudge!”

For a little while Todd just stood staring at the door, not sure what to say. He turned to go. Then he felt the air shift as the door behind him opened.

“Where did you get that car, Todd?” Michelle asked her brother, flatly.

“I bought them.” Todd answered, feeling stupid.

Brother and sister stood quietly in the hall for a few moments. Michelle looked at the car. Then looked at her brother’s face. She was still mad, but he could tell. She understood.

“I hope to heck you bought enough batteries or I’m going to feed you both of them.” Michelle said as she pushed past her brother.

Todd couldn’t smile. But he could hope. And maybe he’d get lucky and find some AA batteries in his trunk.

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