People strived to go higher; water flowed to lower ground. Natural progress required moving forward and upward. However, we needed to realize, our journey didn't just go upward. Sometimes, we fell deeper from when we started. The true progression wasn't about how fast we reached our destination; it was about how fast we rose from the fall.
I conveyed this to Claire because I knew she would fall again, but she needed to realize that she wasn't alone anymore. Each time she fell, I would extend my hand toward her, and I wanted her to do the same thing to me.
As the edge of the sun shone upon us, I carried her on my back, enjoying the flower scenery as we walked toward the exit.
"Brother," she whispered in my ear.
"Hmm," I hummed gently.
"Did you enjoy our date today?"
"Well..." Did I enjoy my day? I saw myriad colors, breathed fresh air, and felt intense emotions. Did I enjoy my day? Well... "It got my balls off. Ouchhh. Sis, why did you bite me?"
Pulling her head away from my ear, she said, "Use more dignified words. You are my brother, an Eldora."
I rolled my eyes. "Bahh. So many rules. Whose vags are we even licking to live such a boorish life."
She poked my cheek. "Okay. I want you to imagine a cute daughter who looks like both of us. Imagine her talking dirty with that cute mouth of her. Do you like it when she talks like that?"
"Ugh... Can I worry about that in the future?"
"A kid would be nice though. They are innocent and cute."
"Fine. I will try talking more dignified, but on one condition. I want us to go outside everyday."
"Hehehe, is this your way to cure my trauma?"
"Think what you want. Do you accept it or not?"
She patted my head. "Rie is naughty but also a good little brother. Hehehe. Okay, I think it's about time for me to move forward too. Will you always by my side."
"Does taking shit time count?"
She pinched my ears. "Words. And yes. Let's be together. Always. Everywhere."
"God, your age is old enough for you to be called an aunty. Just wipe your ass by yourself."
"A—aunty??!? Did you just call me an aunty?!"
My back got heavier, and her body prickled my skin, as if she conducted electric currents. Seems like I went too far with my joke, but I didn't back down because... I fucked with older women.
"But that's what you are. Slightly older than me my ass. You are a decade older than me. Don't misunderstand, though, hottie aunties is my jam. Besides, if you stand beside younger women, their skin will wrinkle out of shame to your perfection."
"Hmph. Praising me won't work. We stay together everywhere and anywhere as your punishment."
"Hah. Is it a punishment if I enjoy it? Fine, you kinky one, you want to watch me shit? Let's do it."
She massaged my shoulders and whispered with heavy breathing, "Really? No going back, okay?"
Shit. She might really be into that shit. "Ahem, o—okay, no going back. But... But... Let's think about the future. Imagine a daughter who looks like both of us, and she finds out about this. What's going to be her feelings when she finds out about this?"
"Hehehe, Big Sister is just joking. You always think that I am easy to control, right?"
I secretly sighed in relief. "That was a joke?"
She chuckled. "One thing for sure, though. You don't hate the idea of having a kid with me. Hmm, a cute daughter or two will be nice."
With that, I got played in her palm. Shit. When she claimed freedom from her trauma, this aunty got a brain full of wrinkles.
We threw dirty banter a few times, and I got played each time. My legs shook beneath her dominion, but luckily, we arrived at the exit before I could fall from my own skill issues.
When we stepped outside of the greenhouse, she buried her head on my nape. The trace of her cheerfulness vanished. It felt like carrying a big sack on my back.
The reason was the man standing before us. Brian Eldora waited for our arrival with a gentle smile.
"Grandpa is glad that my grandkids are getting along. Clairemont, it's good to see you outside again after years. Grandpa is proud of you," he said, his grey eyes moist.
She wrapped my neck tighter, and her body trembled. Her heartbeat punched through my back, as if protesting to get her away, but it was a chance for her to talk to someone else. As a good brother, I wanted her to face her own loving grandfather after years.
I rubbed the back of her hand and said, "I am here, Sister. If you talk to him, I will let you watch me shit once."
"...twice."
"What? You are actually replying?"
"Twice. Twice please, brother. I need this encouragement."
"Damnit your perverted mind overpowers your trauma. Fine. I will let you watch me taking shit twice. Go talk to that geezer."
"My grandson, are you talking to Clairemont right now? Can you help me tell her that I want to talk to her?"
"Be patience, Geezer. She's going to do that!"
She shoved a full hand into my mouth and said, "Words..."
"Gagugahhh!!!"
She pulled her hand and got off my back. Clutching my jacket, she peeked out. "It's been a long time, Grandpa."
"Clairemont... My granddaughter... You finally talk to me," he said, tears flowing down his eyes.
"Clairemont is sorry for the trouble she has caused," she said, her voice quivered.
"No.. how can you say that? Grandpa is ashamed that he cannot help you."
Brian stepped forward, but Clairemont hid behind me again.
"My granddaughter. Can I see your face closer?"
"Sister... Go..."
She cocked her head again and nodded. Then, she tottled toward him.
Brian reached out and slowly rested his hand on her head. "My granddaughter . It's good to see you again," he said, ruffling her grey hair.
"Mhm. I have been nothing but a stain for this family. Please forgive me, grandpa. I—I am slowly working toward... a brighter future."
"You are not a stain. You are my precious granddaughter."
She lifted her head and sobbed. Then, she threw herself at her grandpa. "Uwaaaa. I am sorry. I am sorry."
Seeing their heartwarming reunion, I smiled. They used to be in sight but out of reach. A wall had separated her, but it shattered today.
I felt glad that she was taking another step toward progression. Undoubtedly, she would fall again and again, but I would be there to help her rise again faster.