Harshi Pannala Q4 #3 - An Homage to Derek

Who is Derek? That is perhaps the most loaded question you could ever ask me.

Derek, more formally Derekson, is one of the numerous character
s my younger sister has adopted in our fourteen years of sisterhood. Derek is the older brother (my character is the younger one) who is a media mogul at the age of 10. He is agitating and I have no other description for him. My sister took on the persona of Derek partially because I think she wants to be the older sibling and partially because she got bored easily when she was younger.

One of her greatest quirks is creating these role play games—I wonder if it’s because I didn’t speak to her enough when she was a baby. Although, I have to say I never consented to being a part of these. Nonetheless, she creates vast worlds fully on her own volition. And I am just the lucky bystander who got to witness her imagination run absolutely wild.


Rhea circa 2017


Rhea (my sister) in 2016:

“Maleficent comes out of your closet at midnight and she gives you these Welch’s that put you into a deep sleep. [She grabs my face and speaks an inch away from me.] Don’t. Eat. Them. OK!”


Rhea in 2018:

“Harshi! You’re going to be Miguel. Go put that blanket over your shoulders. The lucha libre fight is at 12 o’clock sharp. [Grabs my face once again.] Don’t you dare show up late.”


Rhea in 2021:

“I am now your older brother. [She speaks with complete seriousness.] Don’t ask me questions. My name is Derekson and you’re Davidson. We are super rich toddlers. But you’ll have to be the stupid one.”


Rhea in 2023:

“Those turkeys on the trail are all Amma’s (our mom) minions. She is the Evil Mother Turkey. You and I are stuck in the turkey apocalypse and we need to run away from them. Harshi! Run! NOW!”


The ideas are never ending. I am somehow included in each of them, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Her forcibly involving me does halt my progress in becoming the U.S. President one day (just kidding or not, I guess you’ll see on the ballot in 30 years). However, when I reminisce on all those years with my sister I think of uncontrollable laughter and countless inner jokes, none of which would have happened if not were insane stories. 

Every year on her birthday, I wonder if she’ll continue to generate these inimitable stories. She is almost fourteen now, but I hope she never stops making these ridiculous narratives, even if we are both in our eighties. I will always participate in them. It’s an honor I simply cannot say no to.

Comments

  1. Tanisha MadhukarApril 22, 2026 at 3:11 PM

    As I was reading your blog I could not help but smile at the fun scenarios your sister would make for you both. My favorite is probably how “Maleficent” threatened to put you to sleep using “Welches” gummies. It reminded me of the sibling dynamic I have with my older brother, and how he often ropes me into whatever crazy thing he is doing that weekend. From what you have described, your sister seems like such a sweet and bubbly person and I’m glad that she is able to bring out that side of you as well. Siblings are able to pull out a side that you didn’t even know you had. Having a sibling is like having someone that you can talk to about anything, and they’ll get exactly what you’re saying. Not to say that this can’t happen with people who aren’t siblings, but there’s just something special that I can’t really explain.

    I’ve always wanted a younger sibling, I never really knew why but I think the way you view your sister sums it up. Watching someone you’ve known for their whole life, every quirk and story, grow up alongside you is a different experience. You influence so much of their life and despite how much you guys may argue they’ll always look up to you and you’ll always care for them.

    I really enjoyed hearing about you and your sister and I’m curious as to what new stories she’ll come up with.

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  2. Emily NguyenApril 22, 2026 at 9:08 PM

    Harshi, the way you describe your sister is so touching, especially noting her age as the duration of your sisterhood. From the perspective of a younger sibling, I can absolutely attest to staging roleplays in order to liven up my childhood, but also to drag my older sibling into my antics. It’s interesting to see what the older sibling might think about these things, from the way you framed it as being non-consenting but appreciating the imagination and whimsy that flows from your sister.

    Especially after my last blog (and your very nice comment), I’m glad to see that over the years, you’ve taken note of her personas. It really heals something in me, seeing that you’re supportive of her quirks and inclination to include you in all her fun!

    Honestly, all of Rhea’s bits here are really funny! Her assigning you the stupid toddler made me laugh too, and I love that she has a great sense of humor just like you. After all, I love reading your blogs partly for the comedy you always manage to incorporate. Your sister must be so energetic in person, and I like that you’ve done her justice within this blog. And as future President of the United States, you should totally allow your sister to be your court jester.

    I feel like I’ve read your blog with a grin across my face the entire time. This is just really wholesome, and I’m so happy that when you think about your sisterhood, you think of smiles and laughter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alex FrancavillaApril 22, 2026 at 9:57 PM

    I’ve always been a little in awe of how well you handle the Antics and Shenanigans of certain individuals in classes including but not limited to 6th period AP Calc BC with Ms. Phan. I’ve also always known you were an older sister, and your blog this week was the missing piece bridging those two pieces of knowledge. Rhea’s stories sound adorable to listen to, but I’m sure there’s a justifiable reason behind why your sole description for her character Derekson is “agitating.”

    I am nonetheless glad you are able to appreciate your sister’s “inimitable stories” when they still exist in spoken form and recent memory. I think, as humans, we all deserve to share laughter and camaraderie with one another in any way, shape or form, even if the messengers of joy might be only a little bit annoying.

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