Imagine Us in Heaven

Insight into One's Self

The ice-hardened air slaps me across the face as I make my way back to the penthouse with almost everyone waiting for me, not just Winter. Ivor insists on coming with me even if I'm only buying a snack on the ground floor, and Clement also spends more time in the penthouse than in his bar. Let's not forget the couple Jake and Alison, who look as though they don't want to come home and could probably live here, and Gavin, who bans me from coming to his hotel but ends up coming over to my place just so we can write some songs.

I'm starting to regret telling them about my illness, but on the other hand, it's inevitable, and they might as well hear it from me rather than from someone else.

"I'll be fine," I argue as I tell Ivor that I have a check-up later today, and, of course, he wants to tag along.

"You're not going there alone," he asserts.

"I'm not a baby! Stop treating me like one."

"Then don't be stubborn, and you won't be treated as one!"

I open my mouth to contest this, but the intercom buzzes, and we put our debate on hold. Stomping my feet (and making sure Ivor hears it), I head to the door and open it without even checking the video feed. I'm fed up with Ivor and his endless attempts to convince me to get a second opinion. I don't need a fucking second opinion!

Imagine my shock as I stand there, face to face with the last person on earth I expect to visit me-Dane.

Dane has always been well-kept, just like Ivor. He dresses well, is formidable, business-like even at a casual event. I've never seen him with his hair in disarray, his clothes disheveled, or his expression anything but confident. It's clear he hasn't been sleeping well, and I hate to think it's connected to what happened between us last time.

"Can I come in?" he asks carefully.

I'm stunned for a moment, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be downright wicked and refuse to let my brother inside my home. "Yes, sure."

Ivor stands behind me, and I almost jump out of my skin. He's clearly been watching our exchange, assessing the situation but on guard, in case Dane decides to take a swing at me again. I don't think Dane plans to do that.

Both of Ivor's hands are in the pockets of his slacks, his glare evident-he hasn't forgotten what Dane did the last time I visited our parents' home.

"What are you doing here?" Ivor doesn't beat around the bush and goes straight for the kill.

Dane sighs deeply and looks around. When he sees Winter, he pauses, and his gaze softens a bit. He looks hurt, but Winter responds with a smile, as though reassuring my brother that everything will be alright.

The thing about Winter's smile is... it has the power to calm people. To show them the brighter side of life, that despite all the tribulations life may offer, there's always a rainbow after the rain. It's cliché, but that's the truth. After all, he is an angel.

Dane turns his gaze back to me and Ivor. "Can we talk? Just the three of us?"

I exchange meaningful glances with Ivor until Clement steps in, "There's a private office near Blythe's bedroom. No one will bother you there."

Ivor wants to protest, but Clement gives him a warning glare, so he falls silent. I don't say anything more and gesture for both of my brothers to follow me. As I pass by where Winter stands, he nods his head, as if to tell me to trust the process this time. Well, I can't say much about the process. I'll always have my doubts about the world we live in-the unpredictability, the injustices, the endless uncertainties. It's hard to fully embrace the idea that everything will always work out for the best. Yet, despite all these reservations, there's one truth I hold firmly: I trust him. I trust him deeply and unequivocally, even with my life.