Author's Notes: This is an old piece that I wrote years ago. It was written for one of my college English assignments. It's unedited and probably filled with grammatical errors but it's the closest thing I have to describe what's going on in my head and soul at the moment. I'll understand if you don't like it but just know that this piece is dedicated to Cynlee. To you my dearest friend, I hope you know how much I loved and appreciated you.

Disclaimer: I don't own the TMNT or anything else associated with the TMNT.

Clear, blue skies as far as the eye can see

In the early hours of morning, he sits in the dark, all by himself. He can only stare ahead of him, wondering and silently asking the same question over and over again. How will he break the news to the others? As much as he wants to... Now is not the time to break down and cry.

He knew this would happen sooner or later. How he went so long ignoring the truth, he'll never know. But first things first, he must tell them. A part of him hates to do so. It's like his heart is breaking all over again. Life just isn't fair.

He hears them waking up; each of them preparing for the day. He quietly sits and listens to them. One of them won't bother saying a word until they've had breakfast. The other one can't function until they've had their coffee. How he'll tell them, he doesn't know.

One by one, they begin to come out of their rooms. True to his observations, two of them ignore him completely. He wants to tell them so badly but how can he destroy their world? None of them think he's spent the better part of the night, grieving and mourning.

This wasn't meant to be. It was never supposed to be like this.

Torn by guilt and remorse, I know what I have to do, he thinks to himself.

With a heavy heart, he tells each of them to have a seat. Only then do they began asking if he is okay. Why is he sitting in the dark and is everything okay? They know something is wrong but he won't say anything. His body language is off and they're starting to get scared. Normally, they would be able to read him better but not today.

Today, they're met with a stranger wearing their brother's face. It's as if someone took the fight out of him. His iron will and unbreakable spirit vanquished by an atrocious crime. What could have happened? What could have shaken their normally level headed brother so badly?

An eternity seems to pass before reluctantly, oh so reluctantly, he tells them about their brother...

How he's no longer with them. How he found his body just hours ago, cold and lifeless.

What he won't do is tell them what happened before he took his last breath. He won't tell them how he held him and wished time would slow down or just stop completely for him. He won't tell them how he begged him to protect the others and make sure they didn't blame themselves. No... He won't even tell them who or what took his life. None of their blood will be spilled ever again. Not if he can help it.

Silence so heavy settles upon the family. The air is too thick, too stale. No one can believe the words he has just murmured so quietly.

Lost in their own thoughts, tears roll down their faces. But only the second eldest cries the hardest. He knew it would eventually come to this. Hope denied and feelings crushed, the others can only think why did this have to happen? Still, it's quite a bitter pill to swallow, knowing your baby brother won't be coming home ever again...