Be Brave.
AH, time to grab the paper tissues-Let me show you a part... small part... of story from when Owen was 18 and Adrian around 13 and a half.
- The Shrine -
Location: Livingroom of their family home.
A few wooden boards, hammered together the night before. Placed by the window, where the light was filtering softest. A folded neat cloth as a base. A few candles from the kitchen drawer.
And there- resting at the center… is the cup.
Delicate. Painted with Mugunghwa blossoms. Soft pinks and gentle greens. "An eternal flower that never fades."
Inside it, their mother. All that was left of her.
A few fresh flowers, stolen gently from neighbourhood gardens. Her jewellery was arranged around it. A small plate of rice, a slice of sweet fruit. The handwritten notes placed carefully as a memory-filled decor.
Adrian now stands next to Owen. Silent. Not crying today. Just... being present in the moment. Owen lights a candle. Bows his head.
Nothing was spoken out loud. But words were being exchanged through stares and gestures.
Ever since that day, the phrase "Be brave for your brother" had followed them like a prayer. From the mouths of friends, strangers, anyone that came to understand the reality of their situation...
When said to Owen, it meant he had to provide, protect, and keep everything from falling apart.
When said to Adrian, it meant he had to behave, stay quiet, and never be a burden- so Owen could work, so they could survive.
The truth was, Owen never asked Adrian to be brave.
And Adrian wished Owen would stop trying to be.
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Aug 7, 2025#coffeekick
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Comments
CRYING i'm not gonna traumadump on here but. Owen i've been there :') sometimes you don't want to hear "be strong for your sibling." You just want someone to ask you if you're alright and that they're there for you if you need them...
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