Flames

I

Shoto was around 6.
I remember that night so well.
Father was setting up his course thing for Shoto and mom was on the phone.
Fuyumi, Natsuo, and I quickly ran outside and began to play ball, hoping Shoto could join us.

That's when we heard the kettle scream, but- then a sob.

"Fuyumi, Natsuo, get back, go inside, okay?"
I told them, using a stern voice.

I ran into the house, seeing Shoto holding his hands to the left side of his face.
I heard mother gasp and drop the kettle, sobbing out a quick
"Shoto- I'm sorry..."
Dad burst into the house.

"What the hell did you do to my masterpiece!"
I rushed to Shoto's side, holding him close as the sound of a hard slap rung through the house.
"Shoto, hold my hand..."

•

"Shush now, Shoto. I'll get you to the hospital. Grandma will take us. I'll stay right at your side."
I tried to assure him, lightly moving his hand away from his eye.
I held back a gasp, that looked horrid...
I quickly shook my head and began to bandage it up.

"Touya? Where'd mommy go?"
Those words shattered my heart.

"Shoto, I don't know bud... but we will see her soon."
I muttered, finishing up the bandages. I scooped him off the counter.
"Let's go, hold on."

•

It was the next morning until we took Shoto home.
He was quiet, just kinda, sitting there. He lightly put my arm around him.
"Shoto? Maybe when we get home, I can head to the store real quick and get you some hand-tossed soba. Does that sound good?"
I saw him smile slightly, nodding his head.
I ruffled his white side of hair, tryna get him to smile.

"I'll come in and check on you tonight, 'k bud?"
He cracked a smile.
"Thank you, Touya. What will we do tonight?"
He asked softly.
"Do you maybe want to practice calligraphy?"
I questioned, he grinned wider.
"Yes! Please! You're the best brother! Don't tell Natsuo and Fuyumi..."
I laughed.

•

I knocked lightly on his door, opening it up.
"Hey buddy, how are you doing?"

I saw him hop up, smiling. He rushed over and clung onto my leg.

"I have some soba, and sour patch kids for you."
His eye lit up.

"I love you big brother!"
I smile back to him.
"I love you too Sho."

•