Some people say that a mirror reflects not only you, but your soul as well.

Others say that a mirror is a portal, and the only reason you can't pass through is because the you on the other side is stopping you. Protecting you.

I once had someone who protected me.

And when I look in a mirror, all I see is him.

"Nothing! No ideas! Useless, empty brain!"

"Wow. Washed up at fourteen, so sad."

"I've got nothing! I'm done, I'm never getting in!"

"Hey, I'm not giving up on you."

Sometimes as I walk by a window, or look at my phone, I see my reflection, and feel a flicker of hope that is immediately destroyed, the leftover steam causing my eyes to tear up.

When I wear the hat, it's as if I see a ghost

As I get older, we become more similar.

"Huh- ahh! W-what are you doing?"

"Shake things up! Use that big brain of yours to think your way out!"

"What?"

"Look for a new angle!"

The others act like everything is okay, even when they inadvertently mention him.

But I can still see the pain in their eyes.

Just like they can see the pain in mine.

"C'mon, don't leave me hanging. What's wrong?"

"I really want to go here."

"Hey. You got this."

There's only two Hamada's now. Three if you count the cat.

Baymax still helps though. He always offers a hug, a shoulder to cry on.

All of my friends do. Just as I offer it for them.

"Welcome to nerd school. Nerd."

"Hey I uh- I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you so, you know, Thanks for not giving up on me."

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

I wonder if this is what he would have looked like, had he grown to this age.

I wonder what lives he would have changed more than he did so already.

Most of all, I wonder what would have happened if there never was a fire.

"Tadashi no!"

"Callaghan's in there. Someone has to help."

It's been so long, so many years since it's happened. So many years since I lost him. So many years since I found him again. Inside myself.

So as I lay on my deathbed, my family around me, I smile.

As I close my eyes a final time, I'm free.

Then I feel warm arms around me, and I look up to find myself in my brother's embrace, his black locks brushing my own, his caring brown eyes letting loose tears of joy.

I smiled as I hold my brother, pulling him close.

"Tadashi is here."