"Michael was..." he hesitated, a fusillade of memories invading his eulogy, he inhaled and exhaled; since his brother's death discomfort, depression, and alcohol had consumed him; he stared at his notes sheet but the words crumbled away, such as he had. "He was a troubled soul, perhaps he lies at the bottom of the Golden Gate simply because of us, truth is Michael was complex; but we forced him to be that way, we neglected him pushing him into being a recluse. You killed him Dad, Ma you too, I killed him. It is only now we realise the consequences!" Andrew bellowed, shocking the congregation, his nieces hid behind their mother.
"I think you should leave son." His father suggested angrily, his heart had shattered, "LEAVE!" He bawled.
"I have to Pa, I have to run away, I can't face it anymore, the demons taunt me; torture me until I feel it's right to join Michael, to cease the suffering, the alcohol submerges me whilst the waters submerge him-"
"Go." His father interrupted. Andrew staggered away, retreating to his car, as he opened the door the odour of an amalgamation of brandy, vodka, and whiskey greeted him, devouring him instantly; his car was all but a bar, with bottles and cans of liquors flooding available spaces. Andrew savagely searched for the most intoxicating; he snatched it and downed it; descending into an abyss of pain and regret. He drowned in his tears, seeking comfort in knowing both him and his brother were drowning in some sort of liquid.
* * * * *
"Andrew..." Michael stuttered, his voice trembled, he stared at the calm waters below his feet, the tranquillity enticed him, juxtaposing the anarchy and turmoil of his mind.
"What is it brother? Christ it's just gone 3 am! What in God's name do you want?!" Andrew yelled in irritation.
"Um, well,"
"Spit it out, what is it? Better be good!" Andrew cried in frustration.
"It's just,"
"Are you drunk?! I said what is it?! Is everything blurry or something?!" Andrew shouted, waking his family.
"No, everything is clear; clearer than ever, well Andrew, I'd just like to thank you for employing me when nobody else would, I've been working for you for over a decade now and I know I've not been myself for a while but I promise I won't irritate you anymore. I'm moving on, the Edwards have always wanted me gone, and finally I've found a way out-
"Michael, what are you talking about?" Andrew asked semi-concerned.
"I'm leaving. I won't return. Thanks for everything."
* * * * *
