/ಅಣ್ಣ/

huddled under blankets tightly clutching a purple gameboy

the screen glowing like a campfire

that would be snuffed out at the sound

of The Parents

battle orders are issued :

keep slaughtering gravellers

blastoise learns hydro pump at lvl 68

wake me up when you reach the Elite 4.

Snores ensue.

two hours of steadfast grinding and

one graveller genocide later

goosebumps erupt like plateaus

We are here.

temptation sidles in

through cracks

from friction

with the burgeoning Ego

of a younger sibling.

‘you did all the hard work’

‘you can win on your own’

‘you don’t have to wake him up’

Gulp.

adam apple bobs like a buoy in the tide.

furtive glance to the side

a face in peaceful slumber

lips slightly curled in a budding smile

in anticipation of

the glorious indigo hued dawn.

Temptation is roughly pushed aside

as the general is woken up gently.

Seals, rock snakes, ghosts and dragons

we vanquish them all

but

being battle hardened veterans

we did not celebrate

it was not over

G A R Y.

brothers lock eyes

take deep breaths

and

a pause.

An outstretched arm

An open palm

A purple torch.

‘Take.’

fire butterflies flit

whipping up tornadoes

in my stomach

that move up and out

and exit

in a wavering voice

‘But…

am I ready?’

Solemn nod.

Go

be the very best

like no one ever was.

a smile blooms

with a scent of toasted apples

and the warmth of a thousand suns.

/ /