Griffin
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I just figured I’d put this in here for a little more discrete insight into Griffin’s past. Sorry I didn’t really include many characters... He’s kind of... antisocial, especially at this time. :3 Hope you enjoy his sorrow!
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Within my room, no light was visible, the single lamp extinguished and the blinds concealing the windows.
It was... peaceful, serene, just as he would have preferred it to be.
Before I could back out, disregard my tradition, I lit a single, Neroli-scented candle, inhaling deeply and allowing the aromatic sensation to wash over me and numb my thoughts.
As I stared at the apathetic face of the analog clock, the second hand clicked to 56 seconds past the minute. 57 seconds. 58. 59.
The time had come at last.
Gingerly, I lifted the fragile frame, swallowing hard as I eyed the picture it contained. Though it was painful to remember, I knew deep down that it was good to do so. I would never forgive myself if I forgot.
In the glass case, two identical boys stood beside each other, one appearing bashful while the other donned a self-assured expression. They were nine years old and had personalities as different as could be.
Being as careful as I could manage with my trembling fingers, I peeled the backing off of the frame, removing the picture and flipping it onto its back to read the inscription.
Griff,
I know we’ve had our differences over the years, what with our variety of interests, but I wanted you to know one truth. You are my brother and always will be. We are two halves of a whole, and we both know it. I love you and always will, no matter how much you aggravate me. You’re the best brother one could ask for.
I’ll always be here for you,
Cyrus
P.S. You need to learn to loosen up and take some risks once in awhile. Your shyness really puts a damper on the parties Mother holds. So long as you have faith in yourself, you will be able to spread your wings and fly, soar to new heights.
A tear threatened to fall, but, naturally, I blinked it away before it could escape as I replaced the picture in its rightful place on my nightstand. Taking a shaky breath, I rose from my crouch to settle on the edge of my mattress, resting my elbows on my knees and leaning forward.
Over the past couple of weeks we had resides at the mansion, many things the others said to me reminded me greatly of my deceased brother. Taking risks, loosening up, flying. They had all struck a painful chord in my soul.
With a sigh, I bowed my head, lifting my eyes to peer at the picture once more.
“Happy birthday, Cy,” I muttered, choking the words out. “I wish I could have saved you. I should have. I did not know. Things are not the same without you by my side. They never are. They have not been since the day you... perished.” I took a shaky breath. “It does not feel right, to be here when you are not. I know I say this every year, at midnight on our birthday, but you know that it is true each time I say it. I miss you, brother, more than you could have possibly guessed. I miss your wisdom, your attitude, your concern. You could not realize how much your death has affected me.
“You would be pleased to know that I no longer live a life of solitude. I have joined a sort of club for creatures such as us. Mythological beings. It is... refreshing to be accepted. However, I do have some difficulty in fitting in. After spending so long alone, it will take some time getting used to.”
Closing my eyes, I sighed.
“If only things were different. If only that fire had never been set. You would still be here. Our parents would still be here. I would have never been forced to endure the torture I faced. Things would be completely altered. Perhaps it was meant to be this way.
“I miss you, Cy,” I confessed, biting my lip. “It aches every morning to remember that you shall never grace my side again. The pain is unlike anything I have every been exposed to. It is more than a physical hurt. It is a permanent injury on my heart and soul. I can never heal that scar. While I wish I could mend the wound, that scar is my only reminder that you were real. Though we were identical, I have begun to forget your face. It does not make sense, but it is the truth.”
Just as I had done every year since his death, I dug a piece of stationery from the nightstand’s top drawer, accompanying it with a pen, to scribble a note to my brother.
Cyrus,
The days go on, but each one seems to be more difficult than the last. If only you were here to lessen the burden, to experience the sun on your face once again. But, alas, you cannot. You are gone, but your legacy shall certainly live on. May the spirits watch over your soul as if it were a God’s. I miss and love you, dear brother.
Yours always,
Griffin
After folding the paper as small as I could, I exhaled sharply, dropping the parchment into the miniscule flame and watching it ignite, the smoke curling to the ceiling. Content with my actions, I remained still for a few minutes, reflecting on the few memories of our past I could remember as I stared into the picture frame.
A rapid knocking drove me from my thoughts, and, fearing the worst, I doused the flame, turning the picture away from the door, and rising to my feet in a single fluid motion.
When I opened the door, Akira stood before me, her hands on her hips.
“You alright, Griffin?” she questioned, sincerity in her tone as well as annoyance. “You’ve been up here for almost ten hours and didn’t bother to come down for dinner.” Swallowing hard, I kept my expression stoic, just like she was used to.
“I am fine. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.”
She peered at me skeptically.
“Are you sure? You seem really distant. Something on your mi—”
“I am fine. You do not need to question my well being. I do not need to be babied. I can handle myself, Akira. I appreciate your concern, but I am perfectly capable of managing my own troubles.” Hurt, she nodded, backing away from the door.
“Fine. If you need anything—”
While I knew it was rude, I could not prevent myself from shutting the door before she could finish. I did not need her sympathy.
Curling onto my bed, I wrapped my wings around me as a security blanket, knowing all too well that I would not sleep that night. I could not. It was impossible with the event that occurred exactly eleven years ago. This day was one of rememberance. No, I could not simply sleep through it, no matter how much agony it caused me. It was my duty. Since I could not save him, I at least owed him this day.
No one would know of my tradition. Very few knew I had a brother, let alone a twin. It would remain that way, my own secret, until I could learn to open up. I had a feeling it would be quite some time until that happened.
For now, I simply lay on my bed, my thoughts a churning mess and my emotions even worse. Even though I had spent years trying to keep them under wraps, this day always brought out the worst in me.
In the silence, nothing disturbed me, not even a whisper, and, though solitude had not been kind to me in the past, tonight it served as a welcoming companion, an old friend with outstretched arms.
It was a night for solitude, anguish, and memories, and that was all it would ever serve to be.
Happy Birthday, Cyrus Augustus and Griffin Flavius Alatum, Friday, September 13, 1990.
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Wooo tragic again! Gosh, I'm so horrid to my characters... but... you enjoy that, right?.... -_- hehehe
Please, if you wouldn't mind, give me reviews/comments/critiques/etc. on this post and my others. I'd really appreciate it!!! :3
