I remember my 5th birthday.
My twin brother and I couldn’t sleep that night. We knew there was an event happening.
The event was our 5th birthday.
For whatever reason, we thought we wouldn’t make it to 10.
We thought 10 was “old age”.
I slipped into my brothers bed. He was great full. Although he initially feigned annoyance.
We tried to sleep. But we talked instead. The jist was, he thought we’d turn 5 then immediately 10. I don’t know why he thought that, but I told him he was wrong. He didn’t believe me. I wrapped my arms around him anyway and we did fall asleep eventually.
We fought everyday but at night we were there for each other.
There was some shit going down. Some shit that neither of us could understand.
But we had each other. We always had each other.
We woke up the next day.
And our parents had arranged a party.
It was a great party.
There was a cake with candles.
We were to blow the candles out.
I looked at my brother, he looked sad. I knew why. He knew he wouldn’t live to an older age.
I knew that too.
I thought he thought it would be 10,but I knew it would be more.
I made a “blowing it out” face. He did too.
We blew our candles out.
It was a great day!
We had so many great days!
But at night, we would talk.
He couldn’t see his future as an adult.
I could.
I could see our future as a family.
I would take care of our parents because I thought after 20, he would be doing bigger things.
Turns out I was right. He left this plain at age 19. To put it bluntly, he died.
For those who didn’t know him, he was like my mom and dad.
Charitable. He wanted to be a social worker in the end.
He wanted to give back.
I believe he’s doing that now. I know he came to our dad during his transition.
I know he’ll do that again.
It’s a good thing!