CHAPTER FIVE

“WHERE have you been, Kuya? Why you didn’t answer your phone?”Lance meeting him at the garage with his hands on his waist. He knows that gesture. He’s mad at him.

Lance is his younger brother but maybe because he’s just a year younger and more mature, he always feels like he’s being scolded by his older brother.

“I sent you a message, didn’t I?”

“Yes, but I told you to answer your phone but you didn’t.”

“Relax. I’m alive and safe, Lance. You’ve got nothing to worry,” he said while tapping his little brother on his shoulder. “What happened to the exhibit?”

They walk side by side heading to the house.

“ And that too. You suddenly canceled your appearance when everyone’s anticipating to meet you.”

“If they ask for a refund, tell Abby to take care of it.”

“Good thing no one did since they know the proceeds will go to the charity. Your paintings were sold out too. But still, that was so unprofessional.”

“I know and I’m sorry. Something just came up on my way there,” he can’t help but laugh remembering how he tried to run fast but still failed to catch up with the thief. “This day made me realize that I’m really getting older and dying. I’ve gone slower and weaker compared to my younger self,” he looked at his side and realized his brother was no longer following him. He looked back and saw Lance standing still.

“What are you doing there?”

“I told you to never say that again.”

He laughs. “Say what? That I’m dying? I’m just being realistic, little bro.”

“No. You’re being insensitive. I’m not yet giving you the right to leave me and there’s no way that will ever happen."

He was only ten when both their parents died in a plane crash and their death causes chaos within the family. Relatives were bickering who’s going to be their guardian not because they were their loving family but because they’re after his parents’ wealth.

But when they realized no one can touch their money until they reach the legal age, they all disowned them. Their relatives took everything they can make use of so they were basically left with nothing but an empty mansion.

When their parents were still alive, he often witnesses their relatives coming to their house to either borrow or ask for money. Their parents were so generous to them but that’s how they treated them as an exchange.

Though they live in a mansion, they can’t sell it. They’re basically rich but penniless. That’s the time he started to make use of his talent to provide for them. He earns using his talent at a young age.

Growing up, he found out that their parents were disowned by their families before because they got married at a young age. But after reaching success, they started to show up. Knowing how kind and generous their parents were and how their relatives took advantage of it, he started to hold grudge against them.

After they got all their parents’ assets and money back, he sells the mansion and decided to live somewhere that their relatives can’t find them. He continues to paint and sell them but he gave everything he earns from it to people who deserve it.

Since he was ten and Lance was nine, they only have each other to lean on. But even if he’ll be leaving him too early, he believes he has raised a strong man.

He went to his brother’s side and disheveled his hair. “Stop being a kid. You’re a grown man now.”

“You keep on saying you love me but why can’t you at least try to live longer for me? What’s the use of all the money we have when you won’t use it? I believe there’s still hope, Kuya. Let’s get you treated.”

“Everyone dies at their own time, Lance. It’s just all about acceptance and I’ve already accepted mine. I’ve already done my purpose in life.”

“Fine. Go ahead. Die and leave me,” his brother turned his back on him.

He called him a few times but he never came back. Instead, he saw his brother’s car leaving. He took a deep breath to calm himself. He’s honestly afraid to die leaving his younger brother alone. But with his health’s condition, he’d rather spent his remaining days doing what he wants than spend it in bed and still dies.