Michael made a mad dash for finish line, jumping the last hurdle in the process. He felt the strength in his legs and the heard familiar sound of the crowd cheering. Just in time, Michael thought, as he peeked over his shoulder to check out his competition. Looking back at who would finish second, he raised his arms in the air and smiled.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Joshua woke to the desolate cold air in his house and the midnight creak of the floor boards. He shook the sweat from his hair, trying to do the same to the reoccurring dream spinning cobwebs in his mind. Joshua didn't like dreams about his brother, who'd now gone off to college on a scholarship. Still, though, he couldn't help but wonder if that was really what Michael felt when he finished first in his races.
Running his hands through his hair and trying to forget about his brother, Joshua slunk down the stairs to grab a midnight snack. He turned on the lights, looked through the mail, and sipped a glass of orange juice, munching away at a brown-spotted banana.
Joshua picked up a large envelope and looked through the contents, too tired to realize what it was. He read the words at the top of the page aloud. "... Accepted on an academic scholarship." He stood in a chilly silence. He blinked. He took a step. Another step. Joshua slowly approached the staircase and began climb it. He took a left turn, opened the familiar stained door, and entered Michael's room.
Joshua made a 360 degree turn and kept turning until his eye caught his brother's trophy case. Medals. Gold, silver, gold, gold, silver, gold. Awards. Certificates. Accomplishments. All for nothing.
Joshua went back to bed. He slept silently and dreamed of Michael's fall from fame to a hospital bed. That night, Joshua cried.
