Warrior Blue

by Kelsey Kingsley

She crossed her arms over her chest and for just one fraction of a second, I wished she would just hug me the way she hugged my brother.

Being Jake’s brother was a full-time job, and one that didn’t offer health benefits or a paycheck. Hell, I could barely carve out enough space in my life for my actual job that I needed to pay the bills.

"No. I'm not. I'm getting honest. None of us have a plan laid out for us by some almighty, mythical being. We're all mistakes on this mistake of a planet, floating through our lives of good shit and bad shit until we die. The end."

"Oh, Blake. You ... You are so beautiful. You're so talented and gifted and your words are ..." She shook her head, planting her hand against her chest again and again. "Your words are your heart, and it's broken, but it's not ugly. You're not ugly."

I was jealous and territorial, and all I could think was, Dr. Travetti was going to have a field day with this shit. New material to add to her clipboard.

Dear fucking god, get rid of this boner, amen.

“He was eating your neck!” he exclaimed, horrified.

“I love you, Blake.” He rocked from side to side, an act leaning toward playful. Then, he said, “It’s going to be okay. Don’t be sad. Don’t be worried. It will be okay.” My heart stopped with the eerie tone in his voice. “What?” “Don’t be sad. Don’t be worried. It—” “No, I heard you,” I pushed away and gripped his shoulders in my hands, “but what are you talking about?” Jake smiled and mimicked me, pressing his palms to my arms. “Don’t be sad. Don’t—” “What’s gonna happen, buddy?” Then, just as quickly as the smile appeared, it vanished. There was nothing left of his happiness, and all that was left was the disturbing look of clarity as he replied, “When I go away again.”

I began to stand when he stopped me again. “Wait. There’s something else I want.” “Okay,” I drawled, squatting back down. “What’s that?” “Bring Jake back. I don’t want him to be at the hospital anymore.”