The Nature of Sibling Relationships

The bond between siblings is one of the deepest bonds people share. Indeed, from what Rachel tells readers about growing up with her brother, the two were close when they were little. Rachel's brother served as her role model, almost more than her mother. Her mother told her that it was wrong to lie, but Micah taught her how to excel at it. The siblings covered for each other. Rachel also stopped playing the "let's pretend" road game when Micah tired of it. She admits that she "measured most things against his opinion".

For his part, Micah willingly accepted the role of Rachel's protector, saving her from real life-threatening situations like the oncoming waters in the pipes. He told his band members to behave around his sister. Tyler says that he never would have approached Rachel in a romantic fashion with Micah...