They're children
racing through the streets
of the city
running from their mother's cries
he clings to her with fear
and she can't bear to see him cry
so she buys him ice cream to make him smile again
and he does
large and toothy
up at her
and they're happy
...
They're older
but this time
they stumble into a storybook world
full of gods and myths and immortal fathers
they're bewildered
but she grips his hands and tells him that it's okay
to make him smile
so he does
small and uncertain
up at her
and they're happy
...
She chooses the path of the moon
to forever run in the woods
bow and arrow in hand
he looks scared
he asks
if she will leave him
she shakes her head vehemently
she tells him siblings
stay together forever
then she hugs him to make him smile
and he does
sad and a little overwhelmed
and they're happy
...
Years pass
her little brother
grows taller
than her
older
than her
she watches him grow with pride
than with fear
when one day
he's old enough to be
her father
but when he catches her looking at him
terrified
and asks what's wrong
she shakes her head and smiles
to make him smile
and he does
a bit concerned and confused
but they're happy
...
The monitor's beeps
are slowing down
and she's
crying
but not sobbing
he lies there
breathing weak
she smooths the grey hair
away from his wrinkled face
asks him does he need anything
he says very quietly
"Can you smile for me, Bianca?"
so she does
shaky and tearful
and he smiles back
tired and relaxed
his eyes close
the monitor
stops then
she buries her face
in the hospital pillow
and cries
her still fresh black hair
mingling with his
grey strands.