Tybee Island

'Sorry for being a pain.'

Sitting in the back of a taxi with billy's head rested on my shoulder I reflected on the previous events. We were on our way home from the hospital where he was checked out and treated for. Guilt was the word to describe me as I awkwardly moved my hands about biting my nails nervously. How could I have been so stupid? He was 10 years old and I flung him into the sea like a bowling ball.

At the hospital they explained his asthma had been effected advising him to take his inhaler day and night. I didn't even know he had health conditions let alone breathing problems which proved we didn't have a sibling relationship. I knew nothing.

The taxi ride was short,both of us remaining silent the whole way. Grabbing my phone I checked the time realizing it was 8pm. 'Where the hell is dad?!' I said annoyingly muttering to myself. I called his number scrolling through my phonebook the call going straight to voicemail. Typical. I bet he didn't even know how to answer it.

'10 dollars' the driver said as we pulled up at the front of the house. I gave him the cash glancing at billy. 'Come on buddy' I said undoing his seatbelt opening the other car door to help him out. Walking into the living room I collapsed ookox was spread on the coffee table billy's mouth overflowing. 'Yup' I sat next to him on the sofa grabbing a plate and slices.

'This is the life' 'Without dad?' I paused. 'No being with my little brother' I smiled hugging him. We then watched cartoons consisting of Phineas and Ferb and Batman. 'How do you watch this stuff?' 'Easy' I rolled my eyes jokingly.

Drawing curtains and washing dishes I then went back into the sitting room, rain pouring down with thunder and lightning suddenly outside. I peered back into the living room looking for billy. He had gone.

In a sense of panic I scanned the whole house evidently missing behind the sofa where I heard a faint cry. Billy was behind hunched in a small ball shaking. I knelt to his level. 'Billy what's wrong?' 'I'm scared.' he whispered. 'Of thunder?' 'Yes' I offered my hand and helped him up.

'Shall we sleep in here together?' I asked wiping his tears. He nodded his head myself grabbing blankets for the sofa. Huddling in the warmth with him I kissed him on the forehead rocking him back and forth.

'Why are you being so nice?' 'Because I nearly lost you today.' 'But you didn't' 'I know but... you are my brother and I'm sorry for treating you like dirt.' He looked up at me. 'I love you lana. Sorry for being a pain' I laughed gently. 'Likewise. Go to sleep.'

I moved in closer to him listening to the rain patter on the window feeling his little heartbeat against mine. I fell into a deep sleep smiling as it had been such a eventful day.