He’s My Brother, I Love Him Deeply

Brian Gray was my half brother. He was also the person who saved me. Before I met him, I was insecure, timid, a complete mess. Then he showed up like light breaking through clouds. But light can be dangerous too. Warm enough to comfort you, bright enough to blind you. I still remember the afternoon I first met him. I had just moved into the new house. Everything around me looked expensive and untouchable, like something from another world. The marble floors, the giant chandelier, the spotless furniture, all of it made me nervous. I stood there clutching the faded hem of my dress, staring down at my dirt stained shoes, too scared to move. "Lena, come here. Why are you just standing there?" My mom called out impatiently from across the room. I slowly walked over, quieter with every step. Then suddenly, a long fair hand reached out toward me. "Hi, Lena. I'm Brian Gray." His voice was warm, gentle. "I'm your brother now. You can just call me by 'Brian'." I looked up nervously, and froze the second I saw him smile. Before I could even react, my mom hurriedly nudged me. "What are you doing? Say hi to your brother." "Hi, Brian." The more polite and perfect he acted, the more awkward and out of place I felt. I lowered my head again while my mom laughed nervously beside me. "Brian, don't mind her. This kid's always been shy. You'll have to look after her from now on." "We're family," he said with an easy smile. "That's not a burden." Meanwhile, I stood there like an unwanted guest, biting my lip in silence. Still, despite the embarrassment, I found myself secretly liking this new brother of mine. Brian was gentle and calm, like a tall pine tree standing quietly in winter.