Dusk at Dawn

Synopsis

I was an unexpected child, born to parents who were already past their prime. When I was four, my parents passed away. From then on, I was nothing but a burden to my brother, Michael Lane, who was ten years older than me. He hated me. But still, he'd carry me on his back while making meals, and carry me on his back to school and back home. He became the joke of kids his age. He was an outstanding student, but he dropped out before his senior year of high school in order to support me. With only a modest education, he was doomed to dreary jobs and a future devoid of hope. He endured it for ten years. At twenty-four, with a low fever, he oversalted the dish by half a spoon. I took a bite and threw down my fork. He finally exploded and sued me. From my seat in court, I saw his eyes, young but aged beyond his years, rimmed with red. His voice cracked, raw and desperate. "I'd rather go to prison than live one more day like a frog slowly boiling to death." The jury was deadlocked. I spoke up and said I'd go to the Children's Home, so that was what they decided. As we left the courtroom, Michael quickened his pace, as if he was scared I'd chase after him again. I slipped the diagnosis into my pocket and ran after him. The school had handed out the end-of-term prizes. I sold mine and got twenty-five bucks for it. I looked down, careful and uneasy, as I slipped the stack of bills into his rough, calloused hands. I murmured, "Tomorrow it's your birthday. Buy yourself a cake."