I began working three jobs and going to night school when I was sixteen. Fortunately, I managed to rent a little flat. It was the beginning of my dream of seeing Samuel once more.
Even though it all felt overwhelming, I knew that once my brother was back by my side, it would all be worthwhile.
โWhen can I come home?โ he would whisper during our monitored visits. In the hopes that it wouldnโt become another lie, I would squeeze out, โSoon.โ
โBrad, you are just too young,โ the judge stated, glancing at me during the last custody hearing. However, they were unable to comprehend that Samuel was everything to me.
Francis, the case worker, offered her sympathy. โBrad, I am aware you are doing everything you can, but itโs just not enough.โ
I collapsed on the couch in my small flat and reflected on the good old days when my mother was still living. At least we had each other, even though we never had much. The idea that things would never be the same and that I would lose my brother forever made my heart hurt, and I missed those times.
My landlady, Mrs. Rachel, knocked on the door as I was choking on tears. She asked me, seeming worried, and brought cookies. โBrad, how was court?โ
โThey want proof I can provide for him, like I wouldnโt starve myself to make sure heโs fed,โ I answered as my frustration grew.
โI know how much you love your brother, and I know youโd do anything for him, but the system needs something more solid,โ she said as she placed her hand on my shoulder.
My flat is too small, they say. I remarked, โHe needs his own room.โ
Thatโs when Mrs. Rachel said, โYou know what? Fix up the spare room upstairs. Same rent. Just make sure you donโt burn my house down.โ
My eyes glowed. โAre you certain?โ She merely grinned when I asked.
I immediately got to work on that room. Samuelโs favourite colour is blue, therefore I painted the walls that way.
A few days later, Frances came over and told me that kinship care was my best bet.
I made sure the judge understood how much this meant to my brother and me as I stood in court the next day.
โI might be young,โ I said, โbut Iโve cared for Samuel his whole life and I can give him a home where he feels safe and loved.โ
The foster parents of Samuel were present as well, and they concurred that my brother should live with me.
The judge took a while to decide, but when she did, she said just what I hoped and prayed she would say.
โSamuel is at his best with his brother.โ
Samuel, who was seated in the last row, came running over to me.
We had pizza to commemorate that day. That was the day that everything came together at last.
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