Lost and found

Tommy glanced down at his now dirt stained white t-shirt, as he tried desperately to keep up pace with his older brother Eric. While running, he simultaneously tried not to breathe too hard, he was afraid if he breathed too loud they'd find them. He remembered what Eric said earlier about not making a peep.

Tommys brother was about the only person he listened to, since a very young age his brother and him took care of eachother. Not that he was much older now, Tommy was only 10 that night him and his brother ran away, and Eric wasn't much over 14.

Naturally being the older brother, Eric was always the brains, and the defender.He could remember one time, when he and Eric were starting school number 4, that's how they began keeping track of their schools by numbering them, it was just easier that way.

Two boys always caused trouble for Tommy when he'd walk home. They stood at the same spot everyday, which was conveniently by a dumpster, that's where Tommy would end up spending part of his evening. They'd call him white trash and tell him he belonged there. One day Eric walked home with him. He ripped the piercing right from the bullies earlobe, and told them if they ever screwed with his brother again, he'd kill them. Tommy never remembered having to spend another second in that dumpster.

 As they continued making their way down the railroad tracks, Tommy slowed up and began to double over, fiercely trying to force air into his deprived lungs. "Eric, can we please stop ....just for a...tiny sec" Tommy managed to spit out, his panting turned into a thick wheezing sound.

Eric swiftly began reaching into his pockets. "Where is the damn thing?!" He demanded angrily tearing his pockets out. He pulled out a tiny yellow inhaler and quickly put it up to Tommys lips "It's ok Tom, just breathe". Tommy let out a few more gasps of air, and finally his breathing stabilized.

Eric placed his hand on Tommys shoulder.