Lonely.
By Allyson.
(A/N – C.S. Lewis owns everything to do with Narnia)
Well, that was very clever of you, wasn't it, Ed? Thought by trying to get your little sister into trouble that you'd get away with it scot-free? Didn't quite go as planned, did it? You didn't expect Mum to come home early and catch you. Now you're shut up in your room with no chance of having any supper.
The sound of laughter floats up to disheartened ears from the open window that leads to what can no longer be had. Stealing a reluctant glance reveals two sisters and an older brother playing tag in the garden. Happy and carefree, they've forgotten you amongst their games and fun. Not once does little Lucy ask where you are; not once does Susan look up longingly at your window hoping to see a glimpse of you; not once does Peter call up to make sure you're okay. Like a proper older brother should.
Everything has changed. Before attending that horrible boarding school, your family cared about you and looked out for you. It would be your laughter joining the chorus outside as Lucy begged to be picked up, Susan ran to hug you and Peter would make sure that you were on his team for a game of tag.
Sighing unhappily, deep brown pools of tears wrench away from the distressing faraway sight. The picture framed on the bedside table pulls forlornly for attention. The simple metal frame captures a snapshot in time that allows a young boy full of woe to escape into a better world. Four children of various ages, all with unruly hair and button noses smile their teeth to the camera. It seems like only yesterday that everyone had piled into their clapped out little car and headed for the seaside.
The weather had been perfect, the beach had been perfect and the one moment preserved in time, your life had been perfect. Mum and Dad had left Peter and Susan in charge of their younger siblings while they went to buy them all ice creams and drinks. The boys had built a huge sandcastle with magical turrets, shells that the girls had collected were used for the windows and doors and a huge moat was dug to circle it from harm.
The smell of damp sand and seaweed had itched everyone's noses comfortably and the sun warmed their skin. Seagulls called out echoing amongst the lapping water that chased up and down the beach. Playful laughter and shouts of joy sprinkled the waves that sparkled marine ice chips in the sun.
The girls had gone to paddle in the sea, hitching their skirts so that Mum wouldn't tell them off later, when Peter had made the moment, if possible, even better. Slinging his arm across his younger brother's scrawny shoulders, he sighed, "I'm glad you're my brother, Ed. Who better than to build sandcastles with?"
His smile has long since disappeared and it's your fault, isn't it? Teasing Lucy caused Peter to turn against you. Now his smile belongs only to Lucy and Susan. Never for you. Instead you are doomed to a dismal day shut up in your shadowed room without a soul to run to, distant laughter from a once loving family echoing in your ears.
The End.