The Beast

 

6/24/23

 

The Beast

 

Sibling bonds are some of the closest relationships we can have in our lives.  My eldest sister and I were so close growing up that when I got punched in the nose, the kid who punched me got punched by her.  She truly was a fierce mother bear when it came to those who were in her charge.

My mother had become sickly the few years before she died, and my sister would step in and clean the house and babysit her younger siblings.  After mom passed (dad had died years earlier), my sister and I remained close even though we were separated by distance.  I went to visit with her for a couple of summers and got to babysit my infant niece while she worked.  Later in life, we met up again when I moved to the city where she was located.  Our bond rekindled and we were happy, sharing holidays and life experiences.  I had to leave to go back to Texas to take care of our aunt who had raised me and while I was gone, the beast dug his claws in and took my sister away from me.

A man, 17 years or so her senior, had convinced her that he was the one for her.  I knew better.  He boasted of so many conquests in life that it was clear he was a liar.  I knew he was also unfaithful to her, but in her loving bliss she was blinded.  All the joyous times that she and I had shared were coming to an end.  I could not let this cancer infect the rest of my family so as she informed me of her upcoming wedding day, I informed my family of his deceit and vile contempt.  She did not forgive me for many years even after she finally accepted that he was the beast that we told her he was.  I had missed my sister’s love and companionship for many years - I curse this man for cheating me. 

Now I curse him for cheating her from a happy life.  As she lay on her death bed, I realize the unfairness of this and wonder why life was so cruel to her in the end. She was not a bad person.  She tried to always do what was right.