Living Lifelessly

Chapter 6

                            Arthur

I breathe in the fresh air of Los Angeles as I head towards home.

I couldn't really sleep last night, no matter how much I tried to. I guess it was that weird text that I got yesterday.

I tried my best not to think about it, it might just be a stupid prank but I just couldn't help.

Anyways, I am so excited to get back home after so many months. I didn't inform my parents about this as I wanted to surprise them.

Just as I get out of the car, I am greeted by our gatekeeper.

"Sir, welcome home,"

He bows after approaching me but I instantly stop him.

"There's no need for this, please."

He smiles before running back to open the gates.

I see a lot of people setting and decorating the mansion, both from inside and outside.

I thought it was going to be a small family dinner. But how can I forget that a family dinner for us means a whole bunch of elites, including my dad's business partners invited as well.

Just as I step out of the car, I see dad sitting in the lawn, smoking his cigarette, while reading newspaper.

"Hi dad,"

He immediately looks up and a big smile forms on his face.

"What a surprise Arthur," he gets up and hugs. "How are you?"

He asks after releasing me.

"Good, don't I look so?" I shrug and he judges me from head to toe.

"Well, Newyork has really done something to my son, he looks even more handsome now."

He laughs and I join him.

"Oh my God, Arthur?"

I hear my mother's, full of surprise, voice from behind. I turn around to see her walking towards us.

"I am so happy to see you honey," she pulls me into a tight hug before kissing my forehead.

"How is my son?" She checks me with her hands as if I just came back from a war or something.

"Mom, I am okay," I stop her but she is still worried.

"You can still think about you dad's offer, if you quit your residency-"

"Mom I am tired right now, can we please talk about it later," I try not to sound cold but I fail.

"Yeah," she stops for a moment before glancing at my dad, who is standing behind me. "Come inside, I'll tell Martha to set up your room."

After freshening up and changing into my sweatpants and t-shirt, I jump onto my bed.

As I look around, my eyes land on the frame hanging on my wall.

It's a picture of Sean and I.

Sean Hart, my elder brother, who died ten years ago. He was only fifteen years old while I was thirteen when he died.

He had pancreatic cancer. Nobody got a hint of it until one day when his pain got excruciating and he started coughing blood. He was instantly taken to hospital but the doctors told us that it's already too late and his cancer has spread all over his body.

We were informed that he only had one month to live.

I still remember his last days, he became so weak and pale and during the last week of his life, he wasn't even able to open his eyes or respond to anything.