Teaser Tales (Short Stories)

Twin Birds [Part 2] The one who Fell (14+)

Just like people, not every bird is the same. Sometimes birds take longer than others to take to the sky, and sometimes they don't fly at all. Sometimes, a bird will fly as high as it can, even if that means leaving something more important behind in return. And sometimes, a baby bird will fall out of its nest, and in a struggle to find its family will be gobbled up by circumstance.

All he wanted was somebody who needed him, somebody who wanted him around, or somebody who didn't leave. He loved his sister. "Love"; a word that used to mean something to him and the rest of the world .Who didn't love his sister? Who didn't love the stunning Anna Starling? Who even knew she had a brother? Not many did. Those who did couldn't care less.

As twins they were expected to be close, and they were, at least when they were kids. Their mom worked two jobs just to support two small children, so Danny had to take on the role as her 'protector'; even though they were the same age. He never met his father, and he didn't want to.

Danny and Anna would follow each other to the grave if they could, and he loved it. They cared about each other, and they helped each other whenever they had to. He would give his life for his sister, and that's what he was prepared to do. Everything was finally going right for him, until their 14th birthday.

Anna saw a band play, and wanted to be just like the girl on stage.

That day was the day she decided she wanted to become a singer.

That day was the downfall of everything he ever wanted.

He rehearsed with her, danced with her, and gave her undying attention. She was the reason he was trying so hard to quit, and the reason he felt awful every time that needle entered his arm.

Rehab is never a good word. It implies somebody is getting help because they can't fix themselves. At least, that's what Danny thought. The chairs were never comfortable. He always hated them. The way he shifted uncomfortably made it squeak under the weight, and he felt all eyes dart, towards him, before going back again to the person speaking. He looked down, and took a deep breath.

'I want to be here' he kept mumbling under his breath. Anna believed that if he just kept telling himself that, eventually he would start to believe it.

It wasn't working.

"Ahem" Danny looked up from his lap, and saw 15 pairs of eyes staring at him, including a man by the name of Dr. S. Burgh; a psychiatrist recommended to him by a friend.

"Y-yes?" He responded, pinching his thigh for letting himself stutter.

"Why don't you tell us your name, and why you're here?" Dr. Burgh asked. Danny sat up straight, rubbed his neck, and folded his hands in his lap. He sighed, looking to his left.

"Hello.....my name is Daniel Starling.....and I am an addict." He was finally getting the help he needed, the help he and his sister needed. He was ready to confess to her, but she didn't pick up the phone in time.

To Danny's left, sat an empty blue folding chair reserved for his sister; Anna.

Empty.

______________________________

Daniel Starling

Aged 20

______________________________