32 Oak Street
Becoming

A Parking Ticket, a Bedroom Light, and a Welder's Hands

by EvensongHutch4 · 3mo

Hey, it's me. I know you won't get this, but I'm leaving it anyway.

Your bedroom light is still on. I saw it under the door when I came home from the hospital.

I had the parking validation ticket in my hand. The machine took my last two dollars.

Mom's stable. She asked about you. I said you were busy with wedding stuff.

Next week is your wedding. I'm supposed to be the best man. But you're not here.

I keep thinking about who I'm becoming. A welder who's learned to be gentle. A brother who's learning to be alone.

I used to be the one with the tools, fixing everything. Now I'm just the one who turns off the lights.

Your light is still on. I can't bring myself to shut it off.

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A Parking Ticket, a Bedroom Light, and a Welder's Hands — 32 Oak Street