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Non-Fiction
Smile.
By Xanthe
02 April 2007
Mostly autobiographical; a small window into my world...


            Smile.

            That single thought came to my mind as I tried to relax; and instantly I had. The rage that had consumed me just moments ago dissipated to nothing, what had once been tense anger became blurred hilarity- for me- in an instant.

            The rage still burned his brain, though, filling its every cavity with blinding smoke. His eyes didn’t even see me anymore, always focused just over my shoulder as he moved in to attack again. He hesitated when my defense fell, but only for a moment.


            Arms raised in a welcome embrace as my eyes tried to lock onto his I tried to make him hear me. “I’m sorry. I love you.”

            The words can’t penetrate. Not now. Now the fire crackles in his ears deafening him. Sparks fly from his eyes to mine, blinding him, trying to ignite the fire within me. I can still see the tears, though, stillborn in his wild eyes. Why had I lost my temper?

            Thoughts of water wash through my head, dampening the kindling, killing the last embers. They keep me steady in the attacks to come, steady as the water pumping through my veins, trickling out to the surface through the fresh wounds he scraped into my skin.

            “I love you.”

            I say it again.

            “I’m sorry.”

            I move in for a hug, but am clawed. Not enough. I started this fire and now I must be burned. Tears begin to course down my cheeks. “Why?” Why what? Why couldn't he forgive me? Why did we have to fight? Why did he have to hurt me? Why couldn't I control my temper? Why is he so stubborn? Is it the autism or just our family trait...

            There wasn’t really an answer, never will be; not any I didn’t already know, but it calms him to see me cry. The tears dampen his rage; he has defeated the evil now, even if it only ever existed in his mind. He’s the hero. He made the bad-guy cry.

            I can be his sister again. I can cheer him up and be his sidekick.

            He can cry, wash out all the ashes and be happy again.

            We can blow bubbles in my bathroom whenever we’re sad and blow all of our troubles away as he tells me another tale …

             

Reviews
Hi X
Written by BrianRobertNeal (1195 comments posted) 3rd April 2007
If you wish to fully share this with us then you must post a few pointers. 
 
Brian

Written by Phil (6731 comments posted) 3rd April 2007
Loved: I can still see the tears, though, stillborn in his wild eyes.  
 
Simple piece that makes me wish I had a sister. 
 
Touching. 
 
Phil.

Written by Fledermaus (3307 comments posted) 4th April 2007
A few more clues'd be nice. This clearly set a scene, but I too was wondering 'why?'. I see two angry people and a lot of emotion, but not what caused it. 
There are some very good lines in here, but I would have liked a little more background.

Written by Xanthe (12 comments posted) 4th April 2007
Perhaps I should put in the Author's note that my brother is autistic... That would explain a lot.  
 
Actually, this began as a way to work through our fights and analyze them... this is just a culmination of every fight we've ever had.  
 
I will have to go back later, sometime, add certain things... not too much, though.  
 
Thank you.

Written by Phil (6731 comments posted) 4th April 2007
I honestly think it's fine as it is. There's enough here for the reader to go on. It doesn't come across as anything to do with autism, but it does speak volumes about the relationship between brother and sister. Even if your brother is autistic, he's still you brother and you his sister. Love is love.  
 
I'm just a simple soul with a simple opinion. 
 
This still makes me wish I had a sister to go with my brother. (Who is wonderful) 
 
Phil.

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