Birthday Surprise

          In a small town called Hattiesburg in Mississippi was a house that was at the end of the farm. The house was on the border of the town. It belongs to a Hastings family. They were Australians and had moved to America in the early 80’s. Since then they have made Hattiesburg their home. The Hastings had two sons Sean and Michael they were 16 and 12 years old. Both the brothers loved each other very much. It seemed that they were two bodies but one soul. If Michael wanted anything Sean made sure that Michael receives it. Such was a scenario when Michael wanted a large mirror hanging on the wall of the study which was opposite to their bedroom door. Sean had to convince his father and finally he gave in. When Sean turned 16 he moved to Connecticut for his higher studies. Michael was not happy about the decision but never showed a hint of sadness on his face. He knew how important that was for his brother. Moreover he was sure that in a couple of more years he would join him in the same college. But they made a pact before Sean left that he will call Michael everyday and discuss everything.

          Sean usually used to call after finishing college and before going for football practice. It was late than usual and Sean had not called. Mother was trying to explain Michael that his brother might have slept or would be busy. Soon it was time for bed. His parents were in their bedroom and he was in his room staring at his older brothers bunk. The door of the room was wide open as it was a full moon night. He saw a shadow on the mirror. He went out of the room to see what it was and followed it to the kitchen. It was his brother, trying to scare him as a ghost. Suddenly the sad and gloomy face of his cheers up. He was happy that his brother had arrived home a day prior to his birthday. He finishes his glass of water while his brother waits for him. “You know I have learnt a few new magic tricks that you might like” he tells Michael while juggling 4 lemons at a time. Come lets go to the study and play, otherwise our parents might wake up. And they head towards the study

          The study was just opposite to their room. Right next to the door of the study the wall had a large mirror hanging for them to look at themselves before leaving the house. Michael had insisted the mirror to be placed there. He saw it in one of the movies and it looked appealing to him. During the full moon night they would leave the door open of their room so that they could see the reflection of the moon on the mirror when it would be a certain angle. Before they entered the study Michael took out all his toys and brought to the study. While he was entering he saw his brother was able to float the lemons in the air. As he entered he hugged him and asked him to teach him the magic trick as well. His brother promised him that he will certainly teach him the trick. They played and talked all night. Michael told Sean all about his day and his plans for the next day. He also told him that he was angry with him when he didn’t call him last evening. The time just flew past while they were talking and playing.

           The reflection of the moon on the mirror was fading away. The sun was marching his way up. Michael was feeling tired and sleepy. He convinced his brother to make a castle out of bed sheets. It looks more like a tent and less like a castle Michael said to Sean. They both burst into laughter at his statement. In some time they both slept in the castle that appeared as a tent. In the morning Michael was unable to find his brother Sean. He looked for him in the entire house. 

          In the mean time his parents were also up. They were unable to understand Michael but they noticed that he was missing his elder brother as he was lying next to his brothers photo frame. They tried to tell him that all the events that he is talking about are just a part of his sheer imagination. Just them the phone rings and on the other side of the phone is the principal of the College in which Sean was studying. She informed her that their son had died in a tragic accident. Sean had drowned in the college pool. It was Michael's birthday that day. The date was 11 January. He had bought a beyblade for Michael as he loved playing with it. The parcel arrived just when their mother was talking to the principal over the phone. They all looked at the parcel and cried out loud. Michael had gone into a shock and just then he saw his brothers image in the mirror. It looked as if he had come to wish him on his birthday. After that day Michael had seen Sean in the house many times.

          Even after so many years the day brings chills to his spine. Making it difficult for him to sleep in the night. He often goes for a jog in the cemetery whenever he is unable to sleep. His eyes wide open and always looking out for someone. As if he is following someone or trying to catch up with him. He stops at a known grave. The headstone was all muddy and the name was hardly visible on it. It had rained last night and the dirt rose on the headstone because of it. Otherwise the family has been given clear instructions to keep the grave clean at all times. 
          He stood there for a while, tears rolled down his cheeks and fell on the grave. He went ahead and started cleaning himself until it was free from all the mud and dirt. The name on the headstone read Sean Hastings a loving brother and son. He told Sean about the sleepless nights and said to him that this has to stop now. I will have to let you go. And so he takes out the beyblade, which he had kept safe for the last 40 years and placed it next to the stone. He sat there for a while crying and trying to compose himself. After a couple of hours as the stroke of the sunlight reached out of the shadows in the sky, he left for home. 

          Michael now visits the cemetery only on January 11 to pay his respects. He hasn't seen Sean around the house lately. After all Sean was a loving and understanding brother.