"Wind, what are you doing here?" Jane was surprised to see her eldest brother on her doorstep when she'd stepped out and almost ran into him.
"I'm on my way to Lawndale. Thought I would see if you'd like a lift."
"I barely got out of there with my sanity; I'm not going back," the laughter died on her lips when she saw the look on her brother's face. "What is it Wind?"
"Mom called, it's dad."
"Is he hurt bad?"
She knew the answer even as she asked the question. His entire demeanor told her all that she needed to know. Only the slight nod of his head gave confirmation to the awful truth. She slumped back against the door that she'd just come out of feeling the weight of this news.
…..daddy, dead…..
She didn't know how long they stood in horrific silence, but she allowed him to lead her back into her apartment and sit her on the sofa. It wasn't until she felt him urging her to drink the water that he'd brought her that she came back to her senses…..somewhat.
"I need to call Trent."
"Mom told him." Wind said quietly and handed her the knapsack that she'd been reaching for to retrieve her phone.
But I know you need to talk to him…..to hear him.
"Trent…..? You talked to mom….. I- um- …..Wind is here….. I'm gonna go back with him. I'll see you there? …..please try." She tried to place the phone down on the table but missed and it fell to the floor making a dull thud against the worn throw rug. She looked up into Wind's face as he put the phone on the table for her and placed his hands over hers that were settled upon her knees.
I know I'm not the brother that you want or even need right now, but I'm the one that you have…..
He gave her hands a gentle squeeze and held them a few moments more before she slowly went to back some things.