My Brother's Keeper

However, Mom and Dad walked right past me and out the door. When they emerged, Danny rushed forward and threw his arms around Dad's legs.

"Dad, please! Go bring Sienna back! Please! I swear I'll never get into another fight again!"

Tears streamed down his face. I floated in front of him and made a silly face, trying to make him laugh. "Stop crying, dummy! We got tricked! I didn't really get sent away."

He acted like he could not see me and as though he did not hear a word I said. Dad pulled him to his feet, his expression stern. "This is the last time your sister pays for your mistakes. Starting today, whatever mistake you make, you deal with the consequences yourself. All these years, Sienna's been taking the blame for you. You'd better treat her right from now on. Understood?"

Danny nodded frantically and promised right away, "I will, Dad! Just please bring her back. That man looked really scary."

When Dad nodded, Danny finally relaxed. "Alright. Let's go get your sister now. It's her birthday today."

A smile finally returned to Dad's face. Warmth spread through my chest at his words.

They really did love me. Mrs. Fletcher next door was wrong when she said Mom only loved Danny. She was completely wrong! Next time I saw her, I would tell her exactly that.

"Danny, we're going to bring your sister home now."

I blinked in confusion. I was already home. I waved my hands frantically and tried to grab their arms. "I'm right here!"

Mom suddenly shivered and looked around. "Why does it feel so cold all of a sudden? Especially on my arm."

Dad nodded. "The weather's probably changing. We need to hurry and get Sienna back."

Before leaving, Dad shut the window. "That should make it warmer. Sienna hates the cold."

He did not notice I was standing right in front of him. He walked straight through my body.

That was when it hit me. Why could they not touch me or see me? This was just like what happened on TV… A violent shudder ran through me. This was what happened after people died.

The thought left me frozen in place.

I did not even notice when Mom, Dad, and Danny left. By the time I snapped out of it, I heard the car engine starting outside. I rushed over and slipped into the vehicle. In the back seat, Danny was still sniffling.

"What if Mr. Osborn's being mean to her? What if he hits her..." His voice broke.

Mom and Dad went rigid.

"That won't happen! I've talked to him. He wouldn't do that to Sienna!" Mom spoke almost reflexively, but even as she said it, her body would not stop shaking.

Dad said nothing, but he pressed harder on the gas.

I wanted to tell them Mr. Osborn had not hit me. He had actually helped me learn magic...

Oh. Wait. That was wrong.

I could fly because I was dead.

A tangled mess of emotions swallowed me whole. I looked down, sadness settling over me.

Now that I was dead, did that mean I would never eat Mom's cooking again? Would I never play with Danny again? Would I never get to cuddle with Dad again?

It hurt so much.

The car sped through the streets until it stopped in front of Mr. Osborn's shop. However, when they arrived, Danny seemed scared. He clutched the hem of his shirt, biting his lip. "Mom, will Sienna be mad at me? If I hadn't lied, Mr. Osborn wouldn't have taken her."

Tears filled his eyes. My chest ached at the sight. I wanted to tell him I was not mad, but I could not even crouch down anymore. My hand just passed through his body. I moved my hand over his head as if I could still comfort him.

Mom did not answer. She twisted her hands together, staring hard at the shop door.

Dad stepped forward and knocked.

After a moment, Mr. Osborn opened the door while reeking of alcohol. When he saw who was standing there, his face went pale.

"Why... Why are you here?" He sobered up instantly. His whole body trembled as he stammered.

He looked at Mom, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Didn't you say you'd come get her in two days?"

Seeing his reaction, Mom and Dad exchanged a glance and stepped closer. "Where's our daughter?"

Mr. Osborn swallowed hard and forced a nervous laugh. "I've sent her to my place. My wife's watching her. Don't worry, she's fine. Nothing happened..."

"Sienna!" A bloodcurdling scream suddenly erupted from the storage room.

Danny had snuck in while Mr. Osborn was distracted.

At the sound, Mom's and Dad's eyes went wide. They shoved Mr. Osborn aside and rushed inside.

When they saw what was in front of them, they froze.