Seeing My SIL
I don’t consider myself a good writer. But recently I shared this story with a friend, and another friend has been encouraging me to take a step at writing. So, here we go….
First, it should be acknowledged that, although this is a true story, names, and a few details have been changed to make it shareable.
Did any of you marry into a stereotypical LDS family where we all still gather together at the in-laws for holidays and family events? You know, cramming way too many people into way too small of the space?
The joy of being one of the older siblings with kids is that in such situations, the younger siblings often have to give up their room so that the older siblings can have privacy during these family gatherings. A few years ago my wife and I and our little family were the recipient of such a situation, as we were staying in my 18-year-old sister-in-law‘s room for a family gathering.
Upon arriving at my in-laws home, I had the worst headache that I’ve had in a long time. It had been brewing underneath the surface for our entire drive to their home, and decided to unleash it hellish-ness more fully upon me after we pulled into their neighborhood. In an effort to fight off its feverish advancement, and get some rest before hanging out with the family later that night, I decided to retire to bed to stay in a darkened room for a bit.
After receiving the room assignment from my mother-in-law, we brought our bags in, and I laid down. I didn’t even bother to turn on the lights. I’m not sure exactly how long I had been in the room, but it was dusk outside when I was slightly awoken.
My SIL came crashing into her room in a hurry. She had just gotten home from a practice or something, and was apparently in a hurry. As she rushed into her room, she headed straight for the closet, and threw off her T-shirt and sports bra that she had been wearing the dim light of the setting sun must’ve been enough light for her, though I have often wondered when reflecting upon this moment, why she didn’t turn on the light. I could make up reasons, but in all honesty, I just don’t know.
I must’ve stirred slightly or made some sound after seeing her topless, because she turned suddenly and realized that I was asleep on the bed. I acted like I was asleep, hoping that the dimly lit room and the light of the setting sun that was coming through the blinds. Wood hide the fact that I was only partially closing my eyes.
To one extent or the other, she was satisfied with what she saw. She turned back to the closet and slowly. Now, aware of my “sleeping“ presence, she quietly slipped off her shorts, threw on some sweats and a tank top, and snuck out of the room.
I would be lying if I didn’t admit that this experience lives in my mind, and definitely still affects my interactions with her. At least in my head.