November 20, 2012

Dear Gilbert,

Today school was let out early for fall break. Alfred spent the entire car ride home complaining to Papa about the fact that we we're going to the beach for the break instead of staying home.

Papa simply shook his head and sighed irritably. "Calm down, mon petite. We're going to have fun."

"I don't want to calm down! Everyone is having parties this week and I'm going to miss all of them!"

"You'll live."

I contented myself with staring at the window. It figures that Alfred is complaining. He always is, there's no surprise there. But I don't like complaining. It isn't worth the effort whining about something that you can't change.

In fact, I look forward to going to the beach. Our beach house is right next to the water, and the different color leaves in contrast with the light sand is absolutely breathtaking.

Gilbert, I don't know why I'm telling you this. It was you that first pointed it out to me.

When we arrived home, Dad was in one of his moods. I steered directly towards my room, knowing that it was best not to mess with him when he was like that. But after I planted myself down on my bed and began to read, I heard a loud groan from the front room.

"Oh, come on! Why did you turn my Xbox off?!"

"Because you are going to bloody come outside and help me rake the front yard before we leave, Alfred!"

"Why doesn't Matt have to help!?"

Sometimes I hate my brother.

I spent a good portion of my afternoon raking the front and backyard while Alfred watched and barely did anything. Then about halfway through, he snuck off to go to the bathroom and never came back. Funny thing is, I didn't mind.

Although winter is my favorite season, I love the middle of fall when the air is crisp and the leaves are turning all kinds of bright colors. As I let out my breaths in wispy puffs, I took the time to look out over the trees in our backyard that lead to the woods.

I think nature is amazing. Beautiful and amazing. Not many people take the time to look around them; enjoy what's right in front of their eyes. I often wonder to myself how our lives would be different if there were no internet, no TVs, no video games. Do you think people would be smarter, Gilbert? Do you think the world would be more peaceful? More advanced, even? Would they have found a cure for cancer yet?

Would they have been able to cure you?

You were the only person who didn't laugh at my ideas, Gilbert.

Yours,

Matthew