I Want To Live....

Chapter Three: "My Bitter Past" (Joel's POV)

"Look Joel,  they drew the dinosaur well. Just what were you doing?  Isn't that nun someone who is just looking out for you?"   Warden David said.

"It's easier not to get involved with people. But you kinda get that, don't you Warden David?."  I replied.

"Huh? What did you say?"  Warden David said while scratching his head, showing that he is actually confused by what I said.

I turned to face him and said  "No.  It's nothing...." 

8 years ago

As soon as the old granny has removed herself on top of me, I immediately handed out my palm as if to say "MONEY DOWN" and fortunately she paid me a great amount of money.

I put on my pants and grab a cigarette in my pocket, I lighted it and said to the old granny

"Until next time"

After that, I went out of the apartment and went to the rooftop to find my younger brother, Benji.

As I open the door to the rooftop of the building, I immediately smelled the fresh air. The clear blue sky seemed to go on forever. Birds are flying freely and for a moment, I envied their freedom. How I wish I was also like them.

And then I came back to reality, I found my younger brother facing the mansion-like house across the building that we are currently standing, patiently waiting for my job to finish. 

"Sorry for the wait Benji. Let's go grab a bite, that granny paid out big time."   I said to him.

"Hey bro, I can hear music."  Benji said while still facing the mansion-like house.

"Huh?"  I said out of confusion, because actually, I can't hear anything.

"Its really pretty piano music.  I wonder who's playing it..."  Benji said. 

Confused, I looked across and found an open window. And there I saw someone my age. A girl. No. An angel. With perfect blonde curls and silky white skin. Dressed in an all white gown. Even though the distance is quite far, I can tell that she's happy playing the piano.  I can see the smile in her lips, it really suits her. Even though this is the first time that I saw her, I can tell, I admire her.  

And then i realize, I actually know her.

"Charlotte Shedlock... I heard she's this great new 16-year-old pianist. She does seem like an angel."  I said to my younger brother.

For five minutes, silence came.  And then my brother started speaking.  Breaking the silence.

"When she plays the piano, I can't hear a single bad thing, so it makes me feel better."

I turned to face him and said  "Really?"  

Benji is still facing the window where the angel-like-16-year-old pianist  is playing while saying

"Yeah. I can't hear your crying either..."

I was shocked. Shocked about what my brother said. And then I started to panic.  I don't want him to feel sad.

"What are you talking about? I don't cry."  I said defensively.

And then I saw my blind brother's tears, running down his cheeks while saying   "You do cry. All the time. All the time..."   His nose is already red and I hate it when he cries. 

"SHUT UP!"  I shouted

"Sorry bro. If only you didn't have a blind brother, your life would be a little easier. Here, you listen too, bro. You'll feel better."  Benji said while patting a space beside him. His tears are still running down his cheeks. His hands are now holding the railings in front of him, while still facing the open window.