The Rivival Project

The Revival Project

Corso led the last guest, Miss Palmer, towards the door.

"You know I'm here in a heartbeat, if he needs me," she sniffed. Giving her a gentle and brief hug, he replied.

"Thank you so much."

After closing the door Corso made his way back into the large and debonair living room. The hearth burned a low ember, so he turned the flames up and spun around, warming his hands behind his back. With the arrival of dusk most people had said their obligatory 'I'm sorry for your loss' and departed. Corso looked at his older brother, Keyon Holm, founder and Chief executive officer of Massive Dynamic. Not only was he Corso's big brother in age, Keyon was huge in sheer size, height and width. Always towering over Corso during childhood, as expected since the age difference between them was ten years.

Keyon was the eldest, followed by Harlyn – or Lyn – who was only Corso's elder by a year. They had always been very close; since losing both parents Keyon had taken over their responsibilities and practically raised them. His resilience was remarkable and he was always there for support.

It wasn't like that now. Keyon seemed frail and small. He sat in his white leather armchair, staring at the glass in his hand filled with red wine; a very light pink-ish colour after adding much vodka. His eyes were distant and it had been a while since he had spoken at all, which was very unlike him. Of course Corso hurt too, but couldn't imagine what his brother must have been going through. Losing his child.

Sophie had been the happiest eight year old Corso had ever seen. Keyon had always put her hair into two pony tails, not knowing any other styles, and for the last week, she had been very resolute in her decision of wearing her fairy wings everywhere. Corso tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He had to be brave, and for a change help Keyon get through this.

The sound of footsteps coming down the stairs gave off a small echo. Christie, the maid, followed close by Lyn. Christie began to collect the many half-empty glasses discarded around the room but was stopped by Lyn.

"It's okay, you can go home for today." Christie gave a worried look to Keyon. Lyn put a reassuring arm on Christie's shoulder. "Seriously, we have this," she whispered. Nodding, Christie took off, leaving the three of them.

A few more minutes went by with both of them looking at Keyon, who was still drowning in his silent stupor. Lyn eventually spoke up.

"Keyon," she called gently "hey, Keyon." He gave no response. Blinking was the only sign of life he was giving, and she was becoming increasingly concerned. He was never the type of person to complain to anyone else, especially his younger siblings. But she couldn't allow him to hold in these feelings, it wasn't safe. The only other time she had seen him like this was with the death of Linda, who had passed away giving birth to Sophie. It had taken some time, but he pulled through, as he always did. But this was different. He had lost them both now, and Lyn wasn't sure he would ever be the same.

She stood up and walked towards him, kneeling beside his chair she gently shook his knee. Keyon jerked away, snapping his head towards Lyn, startling her.

"Harlyn?" His voice croaked. Clearing his throat he looked around at the empty house, his eyes widened as if only now realising it was empty. "I'm sorry guys I just..." he stopped himself, and gazed out of the window. "Wow, look how late it is." He stood up and immediately grabbed Lyn's for support as a wave of dizziness rushed through him. Corso came forward to help but Keyon stood up straight, "I'm alright. Look its late, I think I'll go get some sleep, if you two look like that I don't want to look in a mirror," he joked. Both Lyn and Corso gave each other a look.