Life As We Know It

I

Mari

"Mari, you have to get up!" I couldn't move. My arms. They felt like they were about to fall off. Why couldn't my eyes open? Is this just all a nightmare? "Mari, you can't just die on me like that, get up!"

Die? Was I really about to die? But, there were so many things in life I wanted to do. Like go to college and get a job in medicine. I wanted to be there for Rin if he was ever hurt. But it looks like he's handling things on his own, as of now.

"Stay with me, Mari! You're going to be alright, I swear it on my life!" Why was he acting like this. I didn't feel like I was going to die. I know that right now he's holding me delicately so he doesn't crush me but it's annoying that I can't feel it.

"Rin...Pl--" I couldn't continue. My throat felt like it was scorching hot. It hurts so bad! But Rin is here to make everything all right, because that's what he does.

"I'm going to explain what happened." The ringing in my ears was finally starting to go away. Finally, Rin's voice was clear. "You were sleeping and the house fell. Look, I know I'm going too fast but you'll have to understand as fast as possible!" When he raises his voice, he usually means business.

"Rin, I--I--"

"Oh, crap! You're coughing up blood. What am I supposed to do? I should've been here when the house fell so this wouldn't happen."

I felt small droplets of water fall on my face. Was it raining? We don't have a roof anymore so that would be the only reason. It sucks that I can't see Rin's face. Maybe then he wouldn't be so on edge. It's beautiful I'm able to act so calm right now.

"I'm so sorry, Mari. Please forgive me. I'm supposed to protect my little sister but look what happened! The damn house just had to fall, huh? It just had to..."

He acts just like Dad sometimes. It's hilarious he isn't pounding a crater into the ground by now. Maybe it's because I'm more like Mom. A chill, laidback kind of person. Those two personalities do not match. But I guess it's opposites that attract, huh? I wonder what she would say if I joined her in heaven right now. She'd probably just tell me to stay with my brother to keep him out of trouble.

"We have to get out of here, Mari! Come on, it's hard to see in this rain! You probably can't hear m--"

Thunder! No, I can't stand the sound of it. Every time thunder roars, lighting then strikes the floor. That's what Dad taught me. I'm so lucky to have had a scientist as a father. I just miss him so much. Seeing him one last time would be much better than going to college.

"Don't worry, I already packed some bags. They're in the truck so we're going to be alright!"

He means Dad's truck, right? I should be the one running so that he doesn't have to carry me on his back. If only I had convinced him to let me go with him. If only I could go back in time. Well, lots of people wish they had that privilege.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Who was that? Didn't Rin hear that? Probably not since he kept running. "Mommy, the house fell! Daddy, help! I'm scared! Don't leave me in the rain! I'm scared of lighting!" That kid can scream for his life.

"Rin..."

"Yeah, I know!" He turned and the screaming got louder and louder. "Hey, kid, are you OK?" He mumbled some type of yes.

"Where's Mommy? Where's Daddy? They promised to be here for my birthday!" He started crying again. Rin's grip got tighter on my thighs which meant he was probably upset.

"They're gone. They're not coming back. The least I can do for you is let you tag along. Do you want to join us?" The boy probably was going to say no and that he wanted to stay with his parents, who evidently no longer existed.

"Mommy says not to talk to strangers."

"Well didn't Daddy tell you to man up and face your fears?" How could Rin say something so rude! He was only like seven and Rin was treating him like he was his age.

"I-I'm not scared of strangers! Mommy says I'm a big boy because I don't wear diapers anymore!" Why am I so happy all of a sudden? This little child was acting so big and bold. Sure he's a brat but brats have their upsides, too. I can't wait to see how he looks!

"Hey, kid, what's your name?" The little boy hadn't given a sudden response. He was probably just staring at Rin with his cute little eyes!

"I don't know."

"Well let's think about that in the truck. Its raining too hard to have a polite conversation. Can you walk?" Wood was scrambled around before he replied.

"Mhm. Now let's go!"

"Hold on to the girl on my back so you don't get lost on the way, alright?"

"OK!"

I bet that kid's having a hard time keeping up. It doesn't look like Rin's going to stop or slow down any time soon.

After being bounced around for about five minutes we finally reached the truck. The little kid went in first while Rin slid me in. The truck finally started which meant we were on our way.

"What happened to Mari?" I know it sounds wrong, but I'm about ready to hit this kid if he keeps poking me. "Is she sleepy?"

"Yeah, but she's awake. So I advise you to stop poking her." Rin was so sweet just now. Once I've recovered, I'm going to be the best sister to him. "You should kiss her instead." What the heck, Rin! If only I could cringe from the small, cute kisses implanted on my cheek.