Mirrored Reflections

Part 1

Haru, look out!" Makoto's voice rang out.

"Pay attention, idiot!" The car didn't slow.

"HARU!" I felt myself running into the road, hearing the slam of breaks too late, a car door thrown shut. I kneeled down next to my brother, my twin, the pain in my ass all these years. His eyes were closed, his head smashed on one side, and blood pooled around him.

    My vision was blurred and my cheeks grew wet as I lifted his head, just slightly, and laid it on my lap. We would sit on the back porch and laid like this, just thinking. Watching the colored leaves fall down to the grass from the great big oak in our yard. I remember when the three of us climbed that tree, against mom's wishes. Natsuya and I raced each other, and yet somehow Haru beat us both without trying. He was going on about how he didn't care how fast he got up, he just wanted to climb. To his confusion, we laughed our heads off. It was the first time we really saw Haru's mentality.

"Haru... Wake up, we've got to get to Nationals this year..." My voice didn't sound like my own, raw and breaking. The sound of an ambulance, at first soft and far away, began coming closer, invading my mind. That's right. They'll get Haru and nurse him back to health. He'll be back in no time.

    I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, a familiar and comforting touch. The stillness of his hand made me realize that I was trembling, my whole body shaking. I wanted to yell, to scream, but when Makoto pulled me closer to him I found myself doing neither. I held onto him as if he was my lifeline, feeling his tears drop on my head. I couldn't care less about that right now.

    Everything else went by in a blur. The ambulance came and settled Haru on a stretcher. Makoto and I rode with them, still holding onto each other. They rushed him inside the hospital and had us wait in the lounge. We were quite a sight for sore eyes. Messy hair, red faces, and teary eyes.

    Sometime later my parents, along with Natsuya, arrived. The oldest brother in the Kirishima family wrapped me up in a hug, muttering apologies for not being there. His presence made me break down into tears again. I was vaguely aware of Mom and Dad reassuring Makoto that they'd call his parents before asking him what had happened.

    It seemed that just when I calmed down the situation turned for the absolute worst. A doctor walked over to us to deliver the grim news of Haru's passing. I can honestly say that I've never seen my parents so devastated. The drive home was in solitude, as was the next few days. It was all Natsuya could do to make sure I ate and took care of myself.

    I slammed my door shut and looked around the room that once belonged to both of us. I frowned, hearing the water running. I couldn't have left it on, is Mom here?

    I trudged over to the bathroom door and opened it. I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Haru?!"