My Brother's Keeper

What was happening?

Before I could think it through, I realized something else. The pain was gone.

I ran toward the storage room door, desperate to get out. However, I was moving too fast to stop. I was about to crash straight into it.

I squeezed my eyes shut, but the impact never came. Instead, I found myself standing outside. Could I really fly now?

It all made sense now. On TV, the superheroes always had to suffer first before they learned their powers. Mr. Osborn must have been teaching me magic! Here I thought he was a bad person.

Excitement and relief flooded through me. I drifted home, following the route from memory. I had to tell Mom the good news! Maybe I could even show off a little in front of Danny.

Still, something was wrong. The people on the street did not seem to see me. When I accidentally bumped into someone, I would pass straight through them. What was going on?

My thoughts felt scrambled, but the need to get home only grew stronger. I would figure it out once I got there.

What were Mom and Dad doing right now? Was Danny crying again?

Something bitter twisted in my chest.

Mom had not meant to abandon me. She was probably just punishing me like she always did.

Wind rushed past my ears. In less than five minutes after learning magic, I was already standing at the front door.

I reached for the handle, but my hand went straight through. I stifled a laugh. I slipped through the door, planning to surprise Mom. She scared me all the time. Now, it was my turn.

Mom stood with her back to me, staring blankly at the pot on the stove. There was no trace of a smile on her face.

I suddenly remembered. Today was my birthday!

Her eyes looked a little red. I sighed like a grown-up.

She was probably regretting handing me over to Mr. Osborn.

I took a deep breath. "It's okay, Mom. I'm not mad. I know you just wanted Danny to behave. I'll teach him better from now on."

She did not respond. I called out again, more uncertain this time. She still did not turn around. It was like she had not heard me at all.

This had happened before when I ran home after taking punishment for Danny. She would ignore me like this until she stopped being angry. Then, her expression would soften.

She was probably still upset. I stepped back, tugging anxiously at the hem of my shirt. I wanted to say something else, but I did not know what. I should find Danny instead.

He relied on me so much. Watching me get taken away must have scared him. I forced a smile back onto my face and turned to go. Then, I walked straight through another person.