Short Story - Family

FAMILY

-MICHAEL CROUCH


Jack arrived home from work,and his brother was there to greet him. He still looked sleepy eyed. He must have just woken up. It was 6:30 in the afternoon.

“Hey jack, what’s up? How was work?” asked Steve

“Not bad,” I replied. The same old stuff. You know how it is.”

“Yea.”

But Steve did not. It was unusual for him to be up at this time. He would be watching TV at night, or making the one meal he had everyday at the same time. It was always spaghetti. He would never eat anything else. His hours were not that of the working man. Jack was always worried about him.

“So what's up with you,” he asked Steve jokingly. The joke was a tradition. He made the jab whenever they talked to each other. It was because he didn’t do much during the day.

“I’m looking for a job Chris.”

“Yea?”

“Yea, I could use some help.”

Obviously it wasn’t a joke this time.

“What do you have in mind Steve?” he asked. “I’ll help in any way I can.”

“Well thanks. I was hoping maybe to find any job really. Something that will let me earn a little bit of money.”

“Hm, well there’s got to be something. Give me a sec to think.”

He paced around his living room now. He felt unmistakable pride in his brother just then. Steve had never wanted to find a job before. He must want to step up and start being productive. It made him very proud.

But what of this job. Perhaps he could make a phone call to one of his friends. They might have something for him. Maybe. Yes, that was a good idea.

“Steve,” he yelled, “I think I can arrange something with a friend. Are you sure you’re ok to work? I mean really sure?”

“Yea,” replied Steve. “I really am this time. I need to do something”

My curiosity was too great to ignore.
“Why Chris?”

“Why what,” he replied. He was obviously confused.

“I mean why the sudden need to do something?”

“Oh, no reason”, he said a little too hastily. “Say do you want some spaghetti?”

Now this was something. Steve never ate spaghetti at this time. He must have really spooked him. He needed to find out why.

“Yea. You know what, I’m starving, so lets eat”

And so they prepared spaghetti. Chris wasn’t allowed to help. His brother was very conscientious about germs. That was fine. Chris understood.

They sat down to eat. His brother had a knack at making spaghetti. Just the right amount of parmesan cheese. It was delicious.

“Jesus Steve, you have a knack for making this stuff.”

“It comes from practice,” Steve laughed. “You know that.”

“I guess I do”

They finished eating and Steve insisted on doing the dishes. Another surprise. Steve never did other people’s dishes. Too many germs. His curiosity continued to grow.

“Steve, you’ve been a wonder tonight. The spaghetti was great, the dishes clean. I’ve never seen you like this before”

“I know, I decided I want to change” Steve replied. “It’s time I start doing things”

“You know you don’t have to Steve” Chris said.

“Well, you’ve been taking care of me,” Replied Steve. ”It’s time I start doing things for myself. Things for you too.”

He was shocked. This was a side he had not seen in his brother for a long time.

Steve pressed on. He wanted to express himself more.

“You know that since the accident I haven’t been the same, but still, I can do things. Maybe not as good as you, but still things.”

“Yes, I know Steve.”

He knew, but he wanted to forget. Mom and father dead, little Jessie had flown through the window and died on impact. It was just him and his brother now. Chris didn’t want to ever lose him.

His brother’s condition had been deteriorating over the past years. The brain damage had been severe, the memory loss from the accident severe. His behavior had changed, the doctors suggested it might, and although it had, he was still his brother, the one he loved, and the one he would always support. Steve would do the same if the situation was reversed. He was trying right now.