Recessive Stubble

(This takes place a few years ago in the worst of the recession. My brother and I are both out of work. We run into each other at our parent’s house, where I see he’s got a decent beard going.)

Me: “Not shaving until you get a job?”

(He gives me an odd look, and I realize that came out nastier than I meant.)

Me: *pulling up the leg of my jeans* “That’s okay. Me, too!”