Colin hadn’t really thought about how hard his death would have affected Dennis. He knew that they would be sad, of course, but he didn’t realize it would knock Dennis down so much. It broke his heart to see how broken Dennis was. When Dennis put his hand on his chest, Colin thought he was going to push him away, and made his heartbreak.
When Dennis’ eyes filled with tears, Colin pulled him tightly against him. He missed his brother, he missed him more than words could say and all of the people in the village could never make up for his brother. He clung to him, his hands shaking. He just wanted to make his brother feel better, he rubbed his back softly. He didn’t know what to do, and the whole thing brought tears to his eyes. God, he’d missed him. He loved his little brother.
“God Dennis.” Colin had said with a soft sigh, “I’m so sorry, Dennis. I … I didn’t know what would happen, Dennis. I thought I could… Oh, Dennis. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you. I’m sorry, I just want you to be okay, I thought that I could help and.” He didn’t know what to say. His mouth was dry and he just wanted Dennis to be okay. “Dennis.”
Colin pulled away just a little, his hands still firmly on Dennis’ shoulders, taking a good look at him. “When was the last time you’ve eaten? Do you… want a milkshake? I can make milkshakes… It’s not really food. I can go buy food. Do you want food. I just… “ And just like that, Colin fell into a role he was used to. He was going to take care of Dennis, and never let him get sad again.