An Ending, Finally Solo

Backdated to February 3rd, 2021

The past month had been... rough. What she'd considered stressful before--finals week, projects, big sports games--seemed almost laughable now. How was it even possible to carry around so much all the time? She was constantly worried and she'd snapped at people and she'd cried an embarrassing amount. She was frequently running on little sleep between restlessness and nightmares. Bridget wanted this to end, she did. How much longer could she take it? But she was scared of what it ending would mean. It could end with Matthew recovering, which was what she wanted more than anything. It could also end with her older brother gone. Forever.

There had been two bright spots, nonetheless. The first was her and Santario's victory in their second duel. A real, definitive win this time, and while she'd still messed up a few times, it was a vast improvement from Stage I. The second, more important thing was her friends. Tragedy sucked, but it did remind you who you could count on, that you didn't have to go it alone.

It had come at breakfast like always, the letter from her parents. She never read them then. So far the letters had relayed very little as Matthew's condition didn't change, but that wasn't a guarantee. And when it did, and if it was for the worse, the Great Hall amidst all her peers was not where she wanted to find out.

For the rest of the day, the letter remained sealed and tucked away in the pocket of her robes. It was on her mind, of course, but no more a distraction than the usual worrying for her brother that invaded her thoughts whenever she wasn't busy doing something. When at last classes were over, she headed outside. She'd opened these letters in all sorts of places. Wherever she could find privacy, really. Sometimes that meant an out-of-the-way corridor, an empty room, a bathroom stall. Today it meant behind the trunk of a tree of the Grounds.

Opening the letters had gotten easier. The first few times her hands had been shaking too hard. Not anymore. Perhaps even something with the potential to be world-shattering could be gotten used to if it settled into a pattern of uneventfulness.

And then she saw how much had been written. Her eyes went out of focus, the words blurring together; she couldn't breathe. They never wrote much, only ever a short paragraph, because there was never much to write. No. No no no. This wasn't happening. It wasn't. He couldn't be- she didn't even want to think about it. What kind of cruel joke was the universe playing on her? If Matthew was going to die anyway, why not just kill him during the crash? Why leave her in horrible suspense for a whole bloody month?

She had to read what they'd written. That would make it real, but what else was she going to do? Running a hand through her hair, she forced herself to concentrate on the words.

Dear Bridget,

How are you? How are your classes, your friends? Has anything fun happened lately? Please write back and tell us, we'd love to hear from you. We understand if you're busy, but with how things left off, we've been worried. Know we're here for you, alright?

We have good news! Matthew's out of his coma.

At this, she choked out a sob. It wasn't of sorrow but relief, the release of so much she'd been carrying around. She had to reread the line several times before she believed it. Matthew wasn't dead like she'd originally assumed. All those nights spent contemplating how she would face a world without her brother and what that would even mean weren't necessary. He's okay.

He's still only minimally conscious, but it's a step in the right direction for recovery. The doctor says the progress should continue.

It would be wonderful if you could make it home for Easter break this year. We'll keep you updated, but Matthew could very well be out of the hospital and home by then.

Again, we really would love to hear back from you. If you want Matthew to have a letter or anything, send it to us and we'll get it to him once he's fully awake.

We love you,
Mom and Dad

A smile had fixed itself on her face, and she swiped at a tear slipping down her cheek. Matthew was okay. She'd write back to her parents, send something for Matthew. Visit over break. It was all going to be okay.