Critter Comix Week 5 !

My little brother is in the middle of college application season, and he is stressed. I can see it all over him: the constant refreshing of email, the late-night typing, the way he stares at his laptop like it personally wronged him. And honestly? It’s hard to watch.

Because it takes me right back to when I was doing my own applications two years ago. That was one of the most anxious times of my life. I remember sitting at my desk with my hands literally going numb from nerves, trying to type essays while my body was like, “Actually no, we’re not built for this.” I don’t think I’ve ever felt that specific combination of pressure and hope since then.

So now I’m here watching my brother go through the same academic Hunger Games, trying to be supportive without laughing at how intensely he’s spiraling. (Because, unfortunately, I get it.) Applications turn every teenager into a shaky little Victorian child with too many responsibilities.

All I can do is cheer him on from the sidelines, offer editing help, and reassure him that yes—he will survive this, even if his hands go numb too.