Chapter 2: A Brother

I don't know who I am, nor what my purpose is. All I understand is that I'm not alone on this planet, yet I am very lonely. I'm not sure who keeps peeking at me from the bushes, giving me food, and mending my clothes when they tear. All I know is that they're probably the only family I have. Though I do wish they would come out into the open. Every time I try to get close, they scatter like leaves in the breeze.

I want for nothing, and yet I yearn for a companion to engage in dialogue. Maybe even cook up some mischief here and again. Anything but being left alone with the endless stories that appear in my mind. I write them down on anything I can find, just so the story can leave. Sometimes my thoughts are enough to manifest simple objects in front of me. But nothing that comes to life or talks back.

As I lie down in the cave I call home, I can't help but wish for a brother. I don't really know what a brother is. But the thought nags at my subconscious incessantly. My eyes close, and a warm feeling spreads from my chest. It reminds me of the warm waters of the southern beaches, and the feeling lulls me to sleep. When I wake, a boy my age with dark skin lies next to me. They're dressed in clothes similar to mine.

I poke him just to make sure he's real, and his nose crinkles in response. He opens his eyes with a yawn and smiles.

“Good morning, brother.” He says

“Good morning, brother,” I parrot back in disbelief.

His hair is shorter than mine, ending in tight curls instead of locking into strands. I've only recently gotten the hang of walking, but I now have a reason to get better.

“What's your name?” I ask him.

“I don't know,” he shrugs. “What's your name?”

“I don't know either,” I say. “Want to name each other?”

“Okay,” he sits up with excitement. “You're The Master”

“I love it,” I say. “ And your Prehp.”

“Prehp!” he says. “Prehp, the awesome guy who's the right-hand man of The Master.”

“Yeah!”

We start flexing imaginary muscles before falling over into a fit of laughter. I've never felt this way before. The pure joy of having someone as my equal who won't run away from me when I approach. A brother.