10. What Happens Next
TEN
What Happens Next
LOCHLAN
T he guy at the auto shop couldn’t fix the car then and there. There was apparently an issue with the fuel lines. Instead, he gave us a ride to the hospital. On the journey there, my dad called.
We were too late.
My brother had gone seconds after he’d been given more pain relief—minutes after the phone call with Lourdez and me ended. My heart shattered in front of a stranger, and I needed someone more than ever. Lourdez was there, her hands collecting all my broken pieces. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t picked her up. If I’d left her on the side of the road. But I know I’d have felt worse with no one by my side.
And we wouldn’t be where we are now, traveling around Europe with nothing more than two backpacks.
Picking her up, I did that for Colten.
I kept her for me because it was my turn to be selfish for a while.
Without him bringing us together, I’d have headed home alone with my grief and probably faded away there.
Life can be cruel and far too short.
Don’t let the past stop you from having a future.
The people who don’t get to stay here as long as the rest of us wouldn’t want that and they live on in other ways with us.
I’d like to think my brother is with us on these travels at least ninety percent of the time…you know, because those emotional scars have healed now. But whether here or somewhere else. The ghost who’ll stalk the halls of his ex’s house, slapping her ass with an invisible hand, or the voice in my head that says, I always thought you’d be cute together.
He’s still here with the people who love him most.
And that brings a smile to my face as we snap our hundredth photo together in front of the most beautiful waterfall.