Five Brothers

by Penelope Douglas

This could be it. The Tryst Six motto. A reminder that time is the most valuable commodity and no one can buy more of it.

Because beauty is in the small things and character is in the flaws, and learning that fact can’t be taught or told.

“I guess I’ll forget the things I love, too.” I go back to sanding. “Life takes you over like that. You lose yourself. Who you were when you were five was the real you. Before everything started to kill you.”

“The only thing I need a man to protect me from is a life sentence. He can clean up the evidence when I’m done.”

If I’m not dead, then I’m not done. I can do this.

“I just want to love you.” All I can do is whisper. “That, I will do beautifully.”