Ethan tossed a baseball up and down absentmindedly, his eyes fixed on the swing set where Lila, his younger sister, was playing. She was giggling, her laughter ringing through the yard like a melody. But something was different today. Ethan couldn't help but notice how much taller Lila seemed, her feet almost grazing the ground as she swung higher and higher.
"Lila, how did you get so tall?" Ethan asked, trying to mask the mix of wonder and envy in his voice. Lila glanced over at him, her eyes bright and full of mischief.
"I don't know, Ethan, maybe I drank too much milk?" she replied with a cheeky grin, her legs now extending well beyond the swing's seat.
Ethan stood up and walked over to Lila, his curiosity piqued. He stood beside her, measuring their heights with his hand. To his surprise, she was indeed taller than him now. He felt a strange mix of admiration and insecurity.
"You're really a giant now," he said, half-joking, trying to mask his feelings.
"Guess that makes me the big sister now," Lila teased, hopping off the swing with a playful bounce.
As they wandered around the yard, Lila suddenly stopped and looked at Ethan with a twinkle in her eye.
"Hey, Ethan, watch this!" she exclaimed. Before he could react, she wrapped her arms around his waist and lifted him off the ground with ease.
"Whoa, Lila! You really are strong!" Ethan laughed, feeling a mix of shock and awe.
Ethan looked at Lila with newfound respect. He realized that her growth didn't diminish him; instead, it added something special to their bond.
"I guess it's pretty cool having a giant for a sister," he admitted, nudging her playfully.
"And it's pretty cool having you as my brother," Lila replied, leaning her head against his shoulder as they gazed up at the stars, content in the simplicity of the moment.
Ethan and Lila sat there, side by side, feeling the warmth of their connection. They knew that no matter how much things changed, they'd always have each other. As the night deepened, they silently promised to face the world together, giant challenges and all.
