Elijah was a lot younger than you. You always took care of him, your parents never bothered with either of you.

He’s always relied on you. You made his food, walked with him to school, walked him back home, tied his shoes, helped him with his homework, comforted him when he was sad or scared. Wherever you went, Elijah followed.

Today you didn’t take Elijah’s hand while you were talking to your friends outside the school, after the bell had rung for everyone to be dismissed. Maybe it was on accident, or maybe you just didn’t want to. But he took it personally & pouted the whole walk home.

You didn’t even know what the issue was, you asked if he was okay, you asked about school, and you only got short half assed answers.

When you put your bag down on the counter he broke the silence, “you didn’t hold my hand today.” It was a quiet statement, as if he knew it was something stupid to be upset over.

“Are you embarrassed of me when you’re with your friends?” He asked quietly, looking down at his hands as he messed with his hoodie strings.