In the Safety's Zone

My brother saved my life. Pulled me from the waters and carried me on his literal back then and for years after. He gave me the world and in return I gave him my ass to kiss. Threw his grace, his patience, his love and his effort in his face all to impress people who meant me nor him any good. Mainly our parents. I let folks get in my head about what I should be and made me believe that he was holding me back. But truly I was my own worst enemy. So when I fell from grace, I refused to let him soften the fall. I wanted to be a man I could look at in the mirror knowing I’d built him piece by piece. And life was comfortable and I was content.

Until this pesky thing called love decided to put me in a choke hold. Now everyone has something to say. A think piece or an opinion about us. And to protect her? I’d revert back to the toxic me just to give them something to talk about. Be the brat they think I am just to ensure her image stays clean. The game of life and love ain’t fair, but I’m determined to win both.