Last night, while I was busy chatting with Olivia under the moonlight, a strange feeling crept into my heart—a sense that someone was standing not far from me, watching in silence. And I was right.
Without me realizing it, my brother had returned. He stood at a distance, behind the pillars of the bridge, holding a small basket in his hands. His body was fully covered, his face hidden, only a silhouette I knew by heart—someone who had long been by my side, caring for me, becoming everything to me.
He gazed at me for a moment, then descended to the place where we lived. Quietly, he set down the basket, tucking something inside it—a small piece of paper that had gone unnoticed last night. His eyes wandered to our bedding, to the patched-up cloth walls, to the remnants of charcoal and stories. As if he was saying goodbye—not with words, but with a wistful glance... before fading into the darkness of night. Without a sound, without a trace.
This morning, I woke up earlier than usual. Olivia was already standing there, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
"So, have you made your decision?" she asked, her voice gentler than usual.
I was just about to answer when her parents appeared from the opposite direction. Bundles and belongings hung from their backs, as if they were about to set off on a long journey. They smiled kindly at me.
"Oh, are you living alone, son?" Olivia's mother asked, her voice tender and full of affection.
I gave a small, awkward smile, slightly embarrassed. "No, Ma'am. I'm waiting for my brother to return. I think... he came back briefly last night and brought me dinner."
Olivia's father let out a soft exclamation, as if remembering something. "Ah! I saw him—your brother, yes. He came by last night. I thought he was someone suspicious, so I avoided him—worried he might be dangerous." He chuckled lightly, then looked at me with regret in his eyes. "Forgive me, son. I misjudged him. But... if I remember correctly, he seemed to write something before leaving. Have you seen it?"
I paused for a moment. "Huh? Wrote something?" My fingers immediately searched inside the basket I had thought only contained bread and milk.
And there it was... a worn-out piece of paper, rolled up and hidden between the folds of cloth. My hands began to tremble as I opened it.
"What is it, Alberttt?" Olivia stepped closer, looking at me with curiosity.
I slowly unfolded it. My brother's distinct handwriting, slanted and hurried, pierced straight into my eyes. And slowly... I began to read:
"My dear Albertt, I love you. I saw you with someone—your friend? I'm sorry, because I will not return to live with you again. Please eat this bread and milk. I might leave this place. Take care of yourself well, my beloved little brother."
The paper in my hand began to shake. A pressure rose in my chest, like a breath held for too long. The paper... slowly grew damp with my tears. I couldn't hold them back.
"Brother... why did you leave me?" My voice cracked, small and trembling, like a son lost in the dark. "You said you wouldn't leave me... Why are you like Mom... leaving me all alone..."
I lowered my head, hiding my tear-streaked face. My tears and snot blurred my vision. The world seemed to stop.
Olivia stepped closer, placing her hand gently on my shoulder. She looked at me with heartfelt sincerity.
"It's okay, Alberttt... Maybe what your brother did isn't what it seems. Maybe... he'll come back. Or maybe... he's doing something for your sake." She smiled, forcing hope into her expression. "Let's go find him together. Come with me..."
I looked at her—confused, uncertain, but just a little... a little spark of light began to flicker in the gloom of this morning.