The Cowboy's Promise (UNDER HEAVY REVISION)

Won't Break My Promises

ELLIOT'S P.O.V.

Blake Dodge died at thirty-six years old. Way younger than he should have. He had plans that should've been accomplished, trips that should've been taken, pictures that should've been taken and drawn. Blake Coltrane Dodge will never get to do this things. Never again will he leave a mark on this earth. His funeral is today. Only his siblings dared to go to the wake. Today, the whole family goes. If only to realize that my brother is really, actually dead and gone. And nothing we do or say will change that.

The morning of finds me in my room, attempting to tie a necktie for the sixth time. Again, I fail, and frustration causes me to toss it on the bed. "Damn it all," I growl. "I'm just not wearing a tie."

"I don't blame you," Red says quietly, slipping into the room. He picks up the scarlet tie and begins to tie it around my neck. "Nobody will like it, though, if we don't wear one."

"Thanks, Red, but who honestly gives a shit about what anybody'll say? They're all cousins, aunts, uncles, family friends, friends, and so on. We're his brothers. I think we win in what's to be said about this," I reason, sitting on my bed. I see my journal under the mattress and pick it up, skimming through the pages. A small envelope falls to the floor, and Red grabs it, taking a seat next to me. Our names are scrawled on it in messy writing. Red opens the envelope and pulls out a letter in Blake's handwriting.

Dear Elliot, Red, and Faith:

I've probably passed as of now, which kinda sucks. At least I know fought hard. I've never been one to accept the facts as they are. I wrote a series of Open When letters after I found out my days were numbered. This is the first. Lord knows when you're gonna find it in that pigsty of a room. Maybe in a week, a year, or years down the road.

I just want you to know I love you guys and Faith. Do me a favor: don't cry for me. Don't be sad I'm gone. Be happy I'm not suffering. And I want you to dress like you're going to see a friend, cause I am. You've all grown up fast. But I guess I'll never see my nieces and nephews. Since I won't see you again, I have messages for all of you.

Redson, keep kicking. Don't turn to alcohol when I'm gone. Alcohol or drugs. They're not worth it. You are too handsome, smart, and loving to destroy your body like that. You'll have a beautiful wife one day. Promise to try to live as good a life as you can.

El, you too. Always put up a good fight, no matter what. You're the funniest guy I know. Know that I'm smiling and clapping in heaven the next time you win a roping competition. They'll take you far one day. You were my rock to help me through this. Every time I gave in to weakness, you jerked me to my feet. Thanks, man. And remember you two, I will personally kick your ass if you break this promise.

Faith, make me proud baby sis. I give you permission to marry Stephen. He's a good kid. He'll treat you like he should. Remember you're a very beautiful girl. If the Dodge family were flowers, the boys would be dandelions, wild and everywhere you turn. But you, baby sis, would be a lone white rose: solitary, stunning, and rare. But I wouldn't, and couldn't, ask for a better band of siblings. You've all been there for me one way or another. Remember that. I love you all and hope to see you again someday.

Bye for now, Blake

Red and I fall into each other, each a sobbing mess. Red wraps me in a hug and holds me as we cry until we have to leave. Just like Blake asked us not to. Faith comes to collect us, and we hand her the letter. Drying our eyes the best we can, we make our way to Blake's truck. She reads the letter in silence. It's a quiet, mournful drive to the funeral home until the radio switches on.