That one time I was invited, we had tied a ribbon around your back tree and we tied it upside down. But what did that matter? You invited me to sit down beside you underneath the shelter of your tree so we could watch the clouds roll past together. Spring was especially gentle on that day, and your eyelids drooped slowly to the somnolent warmth of her lullaby. Your head lolled limply to one side, and the corners of your lips were curved slightly upwards. In your sleep, I thought better than to disturb you. I left you to your reverie.

God blew gently on the clouds that He had hung with delicacy that morning. The sun hid shyly behind the cover of the clouds, and I delighted alone in the moment of repose where everything was basked in the cool shadows of the sky. You had drawn out everything inside of me that needed to be said – a trick only a few others could ever master.  We found comfort in silence, and invited her gladly in our company. For once, you seemed content in exchanging simple words of nothing.

x

You left before I had the chance to tell you everything. If you were here, I would tell you about how I murmured a prayer for you that day whilst you were sleeping. I would tell you about how I thanked God for introducing you into my life. Thank goodness! I had finally found somebody I could earnestly love from the top of my heart. I would tell you about how I prayed for every spring to be as kind to you as it were to me that year, for she has sent me someone I could come home to every time I called your name.

I would tell you how important you are to me, and that I have kept you close to my heart ever since. You were more than a friend; you left me as my brother.

But words are only futile little tools.

That spring, you have taken me under the nurturing refuge of your arms when you slipped the note in my pocket. You told me you wanted to meet me at three. For once in my life, I was invited.

Yes – for once, I was invited.