When You're Gone

Introduction

Hey. My name is Willow.
Willow Reinhardt.

There's not much for me to tell. Other than the stories that were told to me by my brother, Brighton.
He's the only family I have.

Here's what you need to know.

My dad was never really involved and left at the first chance he got.
Leaving my mom, and brothers, alone.
Shortly after I was born, my mom died.
I don't know exactly what happened to her since no one ever talks about it.
We moved in with my grandparents and we were all a family again.
Until they eventually passed away with old age.

That's when my brothers split apart.
August went out to follow his dreams.
Which forced Brighton to push all of his away and take care of me.

I use to think it was so cool how my brother got to follow his dreams and travel the world, but then I began to think.
And I thought about how he left without even thinking twice.
How he left without even considering what Brighton had to sacrifice.
And most of all, how he never looked back.

Other than the fact that my brother left, I don't know anything else about him.
Brighton doesn't like to talk about him. It brings up too many memories.
And the last thing I want to do is make the only family I have left turn on me.

I don't ask about August, and I don't try to look him up on the internet either because I know Brighton wouldn't approve.
I don't want to upset him. What we have right now, the bond that we've made, is special.
It's something you can lose, something you can't replace.
It's something that most people don't have.
And I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that bond.

Sometimes, I think about what it would be like if I was never born.
My mom would still be around, August wouldn't have left, they would all be a happy family. Like they used to be.
Is it my fault that our family split apart?

Honestly, I don't know what I would do without Brighton.
He was there for me when no one else was.
He understands me, and I understand him.
We'd be lost without each other.
We're almost like a true family.
But sometimes, almost is never enough.

As I grew up, I've always been told that nothing would last forever.
And that all good things must come to an end.
So does that mean what Brighton and I have will eventually be lost.
Will I lose the only family that I have left?
Will I be left alone in this cruel, cruel world?

~<>~

Dear Brighton,

If you're reading this I just want you to know that without you I wouldn't have had the life I have today. You've gave me something so special. You gave me purpose. You gave me a lifetime full of endless memories. I wouldn't trade what we had for the world. You're the best big brother anyone could ever wish for. No matter happens and wherever life take me, I'll always cherish the beautiful moments that we spent together.
I will forever hold onto the memories that we've made.
And most of all,
I'll never forget you.

Love,
            Willow ♡