My Brother’s Keeper

Named after a country singer, and a trouble maker from the start. Toddling around flushing stuffed animals down the toilet and spreading peanut butter on the walls. "It wasn't me mom." A child's lie, simple. Age pulled him forward, a beltline of drugs, girls, and bad influences passing in front of him. "No, that's not mine. No, I don't know her. No, I was just with the boys on Friday, no one else." A teenager's lie, nearly harmless. Then, a man, going through life sporadically. "Are you on pills?" "No, I'm fine, don't worry. Everything's okay." "Were you drunk driving?" "No, I'm fine, don't worry. Everything's okay." "Are you eating?" "Yes, I'm fine, don't worry. Everything's okay." "Are you okay buddy?" "Yes, I'm fine, don't worry. Everything's okay." Adult lies, scary. I love him. I try to swallow the lies. I try to love him enough that he'll tell me the truth. Please tell me the truth.

-Your little sister