THE RECONCILATION

Zoe found Leo lying on his bed, gaming and listening to music on his phone simultaneously. She could tell he was listening to the song on the highest volume since she could still pick out the lyrics of the familiar song despite her brother listening to it with an earpiece.

"Leo," she called, but he didn't seem to hear her.

She had wanted to reach for his earpiece, but he had blocked her hand before getting to it.

"You are inaudible to me, but I can see you," Leo said. "What do you want?"

"I want to talk to you," she said, and he read the words on her lips, sighing. Reluctantly he paused the game and took out the earpiece plugged in his ear.

"I'm listening," he said, looking straight into her eyes.

She knew he was not happy he hadn't paid for his science project in school. Also, he had other fees to pay, and he seemed to be the only one in his class yet to pay.

"Uhmm... Leo," she started, drawing close to him. "I know you're not happy with me right now. I know that, and it's fine," s