THE SPARK OF THE CONFLICT
The sun was setting behind the clouds, under a tall tree that lined the backyard at the house where Emy and Mary had grown up. It was a house that was filled with memories, both good and bad, joyous and sometimes painful.
Emy, the older of the two by four years, sat on a bench, her brow furrowed, her lips pouting, while she was scrolling her phone. Mary stood a few feet away, scrolling her phone as well, with her expression so tense.
They had always been close despite their differences, but lately, it seemed like those differences were growing into something neither of them could even ignore. Emy had just finished college and she was so passionate about social issues, sometimes even attending protests and organizing community and church events.
Mary on the other hand, had just finished high school and started hanging out with her friends who shared different set of beliefs, more traditional, and less open to change.
"You know what Mary? Emy said, I think you should really come with me to the rally this weekend, I am fed up with certain social issues and I find it best to voice out those concerns in that particular event,"
Mary responded, "I do not think it is as simple as that. Just because you think that something is right would mean that everyone has to agree with you. Each one of us are entitled to our own opinions and beliefs."
Emy looked at Mary with her frustration evidently expressed. "It is not about everyone agreeing with me. This is about standing up for what I think is right and standing up as well against injustice. You can't just take this for granted and do nothing while the world is falling apart."
Mary just shook her head and told Emy, "You don't get it, because, not everyone sees certain things the way you do. And honestly, I think you are just jumping on the ship without really thinking about your actions and the consequences attached to it."
Emy responded with a high pitched tone, her eyes flashing with anger. "That is not fair, Mary. Just because I care about certain issues does not mean that I am not thinking of my actions. You are the one who is refusing to see the bigger picture."
And just like that, the tension between them flared up, overshadowing the bond that both of them once shared.
THE GROWING RIFT
Days passed, and the tension between them only seemed to grow. Their arguments became more frequent, often sparked by the smallest of things, debates here and there, differing opinions on social media, questioning each other's actions and a lot more.
What was once a playful banter among sibling, was now laced and filled with bitterness and even frustration.
One evening, they found themselves in the living room, both trying to unwind after a long day. Emy was reading an article about social issues, while Mary was watching a news segment on television with a more conservative stance in relation to activism. "Can you turn that down, Emy exclaimed. I am trying to focus on what I am reading."
Mary turned off the television, and responded, "Maybe you should read something else, not everyone that you hear and see pertains to you, not everything is as black and white as you think."
Emy shut off her laptop with her patience dwindling, and asked Mary. "Why do you always have to challenge everything I say? You always have that determination to argue and disagree with me no matter what."
Mary had a defensive edge to her tone. "Maybe because you act as if you are always right and that your opinion is the only thing that matters."
The room fell into an uneasy silence, both of them too stubborn to back down. Emy wanted to say that she just wanted Mary to care as much as she did, but she knew that Mary would not hear it that way.
Mary on the other hand, wished that Emy would understand that she was not trying to be difficult, Emy just did not see things the way she did, and felt like Emy did not respect that.
They were both at a dilemma, because neither of them knew how to bridge the gap between them.
THE BREAKING POINT
One Saturday afternoon, their parents decided to host a family gathering. The whole family were present, cousins, aunts, uncles, everyone. Emy and Mary tried to keep things civil, but the tension between them was obviously surrounding them. A casual conversation about current events started it all, another argument was just about to unfold. Emy had been talking about her latest social and community project, obviously trying to get the attention of those present in that family gathering. Mary, who has been very quiet for most of the time, could not hide her frustration again.
"Why do you always have to get the attention of each and everyone and talk about those stuff? Mary said in frustrated tone. Emy responded, "This isn't just stuff and I am not seeking any attention, if you actually listened for once, then you might have learned something, Mary".
"Not everyone wants to live their life the way you do, some of us just want to live in peace without having to converse with anyone that leads to arguments," says Mary.
Their mother, sensing the rising conflict among her children, tried to step in. "Come on, that is enough, let us not do this today. It is supposed to be a fun family gathering." But it was too late, as both her children were too far gone to stop at this point.
The argument had drawn the attention of everyone, the once lively gathering fell silent as both Emy and Mary continued their arguments and insults at each other. The gap and rift between them had never been more apparent, and it seemed as though their bond as siblings was breaking right before the eyes of those family members present on that family event.
SILENCE CONTINUES
After that family event, both Emy and Mary barely spoke to each other. The house that was once filled with joy, playful teasing, and laughter, was now deafening in silence, quiet. Their parents tried to intervene, get them to talk things out, but neither sibling was ready and willing to make that first move.
Emy, buried herself with work, attended meetings, organized social and church events, trying to drown out the frustration, hurt, and disappointment toward her sibling. But at the back of her mind, no matter how busy she kept herself, she could not hide the fact and shake the feeling that she had lost something important.
Mary, on the other hand, withdrew further into her own world, spending more time with friends, distancing herself from the family. She avoided the topics that had caused so much conflict and arguments, but the bitterness and resentment surfaced deep within.
THE ROAD TO RECONCILIATION
One evening, while Emy was just about to rest inside her room, her phone suddenly rang. It was Mary calling. Tears started falling from Emy's eyes even though she has not answered Mary yet. It was perhaps her longingness since Mary has not talked to her for quite a long time.
"Emy, can we talk?" Mary said.
"I would love that." says Emy.
"Emy, I am sorry, I did not mean to hurt you."
"I am sorry as well, Mary. We may have our misunderstandings and arguments here and there, but we can not disregard the fact that we are siblings."
Siblings are forever bounded by their relationship with each other and can play a variety of roles in each other's lives. They often provide emotional support and comfort, especially during tough times and can be a source of encouragement and understanding for each other, sharing in each other's joys and challenges.
Siblings can be trusted confidants, sharing personal thoughts and feelings that they might not discuss with others. The close bond that they have can foster a deep sense of trust and loyalty.
The roles siblings play can shift over time as they grow and change, but the relationships often remain significant throughout their lives.
