
ALT Leon had an older brother, once. He was two years older than Leon, and barely resembled him. His name was Red, the same color as his hair and sun kissed cheeks. Red was sixteen. Leon just turned forty nine. Red was always going to be sixteen. His teenage brother, eternally. The day wasn’t special, not at first. It was made so by the loss. September 30th, 1991. The date was seared into his mind. Red had dated his farewell letter, after all. Even worse, the date would haunt him further. It was fitting in a way, though.

ALT The day that his world ended was the same as the day any chance of ever having control over his life did too. Red didn’t leave him much. Couldn’t have, really. He left behind a note, a name, and a set of wedding rings. He left behind the horrible realization that Leon would never be whole again. Leon had a tradition. He’d drink himself half to death before lying in bed and imagining his brother was lying beside him. That’s where he was now, curled up on his side to revel in the ache. The drink did its part, loosening his mind to accept what he wished were true.

ALT Red would walk through the bedroom door, shutting it behind him. He’d sit next to Leon, the mattress dipping with his weight. He’d sit next would brush Leon’s hair back. He would lean down and kiss Leon’s temple. He would be gray and wrinkles and aged. He would be there. Leon closes his eyes, letting out a shaky breath. He tried to picture it, but all he could see was Red plush with youth and pale with blood loss. He couldn’t imagine what never was. As above, so below. His teenage brother, eternally.











