Yes darling, I recall the times we walked in the snow with your dimples shining on your porcelain face. We would walk down that old trail for hours and talk about our dreams, hopes, and greatest fears. I wanted to become a movie star. I talked about my wishes to become famous, and live in New York or California. You always wanted to find a cure for cancer. That didn't surprise me. You were living with it, to my desperation.
I remember when I carried you to our tree house at Grandpa's old estate. It was your favorite place to talk. We would sit and I would help you do your homework. I never mentioned your disease and how I knew you weren't going to hold on much longer. I would sit and act like you would be alive for years to come.
You never knew about the times I would sit in my room with the doors locked and cry. My heart was ripped out, and I hid my face in the pillows and screamed until I coughed up blood. I would cry myself to sleep every night over you. You were my helpless little angel, my best friend. The only person who could truly understand me was you.
The day they took you to the hospital tore me apart. I knew it was coming soon. I knew you were leaving me in a matter of time. It didn't seem real. You wanted me to come watch "Winnie the Pooh" with you. I agreed to come inside and sit beside you. I didn't know what we were watching, for the tears were filling my eyes too quickly to see.
It was soon after then when you opened your mouth to speak. It took you a few minutes to utter the words, "Sissy I love you. You were my best friend. I don't know what is going to happen, but you all seem so sad. Mommy brought us all here instead of just me this time. I'm scared I just want to go home!" I could only whisper the words through my tears, "Ellie you are going home, and this time you'll stay forever."
You smiled your last smile and closed your tiny eyes for the last time. I promise every time the sun shines, and every time I hear a laugh I will think of you. I will recall those times we walked through the snow, as you marveled at all of the snow flakes. Though I will remember when you were strong and graceful as a swan, not weak.
Ellie, you will always be my little sissy. Nothing will ever change that.
Author's Note: This piece was complete fiction. I do not have any siblings (though I wish I did from time to time).
