Disclaimer: I don't own Rent or April
April was four when her little brother, Benny (Benjamin Coffin the III) was born. Ever since she held him for the first time, April Coffin knew she loved her little brother. He was ten minutes old. At four she was like a little mother to him. Benny missed his sister's love and protectiveness.
April was almost five when at nine and ½ months Benny said his first word. "April". She was so excited that her name was the first word out of her brother's mouth. "I love you Benny," she cried excitedly. He giggled and said "April," again.
April was seven when Benny learned to tie his shoes. She was the one that taught him. "I CAN'T DO IT," he cried frustrated. "Benny," she said, "opportunity knocks and there's nothing you can't do" After a few minutes he finally did manage to tie his shoes…
April was eight when Benny started preschool. It was right down the block and April walked him to school everyday. The first day he was scared so she stayed with him. It got her in trouble with her teacher but she didn't care. Benny missed her protectiveness.
April was there with her brother through childhood crushes, broken arms, broken hearts and bad test grades. She was there with him through studying, parties gone wrong and times he'd gotten in trouble with his teacher for something he hadn't done. She was there with him when he went through a long bout of cancer, days upon weeks upon months of him throwing up and losing his hair. She was with him through the good times and the bad. Benny missed her support.
April was eighteen when her parents died. She and her brother moved to New York city with her boyfriend and his best friends. But no matter what she was busy with she always had time for her little brother. She made it clear that he came first. Benny missed her loyalty.
Benjamin Coffin the 3rd was eighteen when he walked into the bathroom one day to see his older sister dead in the tub. She had slit her wrists and wrote in her blood to her boyfriend, "Roger, we have AIDS. I couldn't handle it. PLEASE BE STRONG AND KNOW THAT I DO LOVE YOU. Tell Benny that I'll never be far away"
Benny collapsed to the floor holding his sister to him, not giving a damn about his risk of getting sick himself. He missed her. He missed his protector, his supporter and his 2nd mother. He missed his big sister. He missed his best friend.