A tale of three democratic brothers: part 1

“Hi,” he said softly, holding the little one’s hand, giving the first brotherly touch in ages.

“How long have I slept?” the youngest democracy asked feebly. “Why do I feel so weak? Am I dying?”

“Sshh. You aren’t going to die. Your body is trying to get rid of a stubborn disease, that’s all. You’ll become strong soon, like me. You’re weak because I asked them to stop giving you food and water, for your own good.” 

“Can I eat now, brother? I’m so hungry. In fact, I think I woke up partly because I was starving to death,” the boy pleaded.

Big brother nodded, and whispered firmly, “When I say you can eat, nobody will ever be able to say otherwise. And my presence here, the first time in God knows how long, guarantees that.” 

“How's Number Two?” the young one asked. “I often dreamed of him instead of you. But that must be because he only lives next door. In those dreams he sneaked me food and water. I have a feeling he was always at my bedside while you were busy elsewhere.”

“He was nasty a couple of times regarding my no-food-and-water order. Other than that, he’s been a good kid, despite some serious problems of his own.”

“What problems?”

Big brother’s eyes narrowed. “Almost like yours but more complicated. I don’t know how to describe it in medical terms but his not-so-good blood cells are mistaking themselves as good cells and are fighting each other in misguided missions to save the body, inadvertently undermining it. You know what I mean?”

“I guess I do. My disease seems more straightforward. Sounds like if Two’s fallen ill and lapses into a coma like I did, you may have to order a food ban again.”

“Funny you mentioned the coma,” the big brother laughed. “Do you know what his cells are doing? One camp wants to put him to sleep – to freeze the body, so to speak. But they will have to do it over the others’ dead body. However, I talked to Two the other day. and he’s in okay shape. He’s still going places.”

The boy gave a weak smile. “You sound a little sympathetic towards the anti-freezing cells,” he noted.

“Well, our clan is better off alive and kicking, not in incubation. We have no time to waste.”

“What about you, brother? What’s with the dark under your eyes. Not enough sleep?” The boy tried to raise his hand toward the big brother’s face.

Big brother held it and squeezed. “A minor problem about money. Seems like every one of my friends is having the same trouble. Don’t you worry. I’ll be all right. Take care of yourself and we both will do just fine,” he said.

Then the boy seemed to remember something. His eyes widened. “How about that giant friend of mine you hated for being a big bully? Is he causing any problems? Is he in financial trouble as well?” 

“While you were sleeping he did many things behind my back. He proclaimed you to be his. The bottom line is, you have woken up to be part of this great family, but he is not. He will still want you as his sidekick. Just play along and leave him to me.”

The boy looked hesitant. “Have you told Two the same thing? He and Giant might be pretty close now. I know both of them well. Most of all, Two sounds torn between two selves, from what you’ve told me. I mean one half of him still loves you but the other half may be leaning toward Giant.”

“So far, I’ve got Two where I want him. For his own good, don’t forget that,” the big brother said assuringly. “Two will have the freedom to mingle with the big guy – in fact, Two will welcome Giant to his home in a few days from now – but I reminded him yesterday that blood is thicker than water. Two has been a train wreck identity-wise, and he needs my guidance as much as you."

“You’re such an angel, brother. What would we be without you? I’m so sorry I was bad. I’m still nowhere near good actually. Can you promise never to leave me?”

“I won’t, kiddo.”

“Can you also call me by my new real name for once, brother? Even Giant won’t have problems with that.”

After a long, comforting silence, the big brother smiled. “Be good and we’ll see about that, buddy. I have to go now. See you again soon.”

The boy closed his eyes and sighed. At least I can eat now, he told himself. One step at a time, he thought. One step at a time.