11/29/17 The Last Time

I remember standing by the bed as I watched my brother lay there. I was not sure what I was feeling but I knew somehow this was last time I would get to see my brother. As I stood there lost in thought, my brother beckoned me to him. I walked over until I was standing over him with my shadow covering half of his body. He sat up as best as he could and asked me to lean over so he could tell me something. I leaned over and he began to speak; "We both had a lot of fun together going to the malt shop everyday after school, watching scary movies on the television after mom and dad went to bed, teaching you how to ride a bike for the first time.

Now look at you, about to go from middle school to high school and getting your first part-time job. I want you to know how proud I am of you. I only wish I could be with you a little longer but, sooner or later death comes for us all. Just promise me that you will study hard to get into a good school after you graduate from high school and look after mom and dad."With tears running down my cheeks I said with a slight stutter, "I will, I promise." As my brother layed back down on the bed, he smiled as he took his last breath letting me know he died happy.