Supermarket Flowers

His eyes watered as he entered the empty room. The air still held the familiar scent, somehow - it was almost like the person he wanted to see so desperately was right there.

I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill
I threw the day old tea from the cup
Packed up the photo album Raphie had made
Memories of a life that's been loved

Green fingers trailed over the well-worn desk, scratched and pitted from years of use, but still polished to a shine. There was no dust on the surface yet. Nothing to indicate that the desk's owner was gone. But there would be soon.

Took the get well soon cards and stuffed animals
Poured the old green tea down the sink
Dad always told me, "don't you cry when you're down"
But bro, there's a tear every time that I blink

He turned around and looked at the simple bed; the sheets were pulled up as if waiting for someone to come and lay down. But no one would be laying in that bed anymore. It would remain empty and cold.

Oh I'm in pieces, it's tearing me up, but I know
A heart that's broken is a heart that's been loved

He reached over and picked up the blanket that was neatly folded and resting at the foot of the bed. It still smelled like him. A lot like him.

His heart clenched and he bit his lip, trying hard not to cry. He'd been keeping it together ever since that night - someone had to, and everyone else was too wrapped in their own grief. Someone had to keep them going and make them smile. After all, it's what he would've wanted.

So I'll sing Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my bro
When I fell down you'd be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back we'll say Hallelujah
You're home

It hadn't taken long to pack his possessions. There weren't many anyway, because he had always lived a relatively simple life. Far simpler than any of the rest of them, at least. Well, except for maybe their father.

I fluffed the pillows, made the bed, stacked your books up
Put your weapons neatly in a case
Don said he'd drive then put his hand on my cheek
And wiped a tear from the side of my face

The day of the funeral was a rough day for all of them. They'd taken his body up to the old farmhouse and laid him to rest underneath an old oak tree, beside the lake. He had always gone to meditate there when they visited the house; it seemed like an appropriate final resting place.

I hope that I see the world as you did 'cause I know
A life with love is a life that's been lived

He was always trying to protect them. Always trying to keep them safe. It hadn't been a surprise when he passed. After all, he went the way he'd wanted to go - making sure they were alright. Keeping them alive.

So I'll sing Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my bro
When I fell down you'd be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
When God takes you back he'll say, "Hallelujah,
You're home"

At first, he'd been hurt. Hadn't understood why his brother was leaving them. It seemed like he'd given up so easily.

But then again, he never gave up without a fight. He'd worked hard for years and years, sacrificing everything for his family and friends. It was long past time that he should've closed his eyes and just let everything go. Long past time that he should've released the burdens on his shoulders.

So that last night, when he'd been struggling to take a breath and hold on just a little longer, Mikey pressed a kiss to his forehead and whispered that it was okay. And the look of gratefulness and love in those cobalt eyes was worth every moment of the pain that came after.

It wasn't long after that that the leader inhaled for the last time, slipping away silently like the ninja master he was.

And yet, standing here now, in the middle of Leo's empty room, Mikey swore he felt his eldest brother right beside him. A small, watery smile made the freckled turtle's mouth twitch upwards.

Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my bro
You got to see the person I have become
Spread your wings and I know
That when God took you back he said, "Hallelujah
You're home"

"Love you, Leo," he whispered.

Love you too, little brother.