Giving Way

She is ever changing with a sweet temper and a kind smile. She is looked forward to, but ever evasive. No one can seem to tell whether she is there to stay, never truly in one place for very long. She is loved and hated, always a signal for the end and a new beginning. No one ever gave her much credit, though, and simply passes over her for warmer people. She is beautiful and full of growth, readying the world around her for changes.

He is a mastermind, quick with his tongue with nimble fingers. He is watched carefully, warily, afraid they may slip in his presence. No one would dare cross him or take advantage of him. He would manipulate you into believing you knew exactly where you stood with him, then his temper would take hold and frost you over. He is handsome, charming, and is never considered simple.

These two are brother and sister, both with their talents, both on missions, both on their separate paths. He, constantly trying to find her, she always making sure he never finds her. He may always be one step ahead of everyone else, but his sister is slippery, leaving a wake of disasters behind. Everyone may not know how to handle his sister, but he needed her. Needed her to take over and make a change.

She shreds identities every other day, never staying in one spot long enough to make friends. She was meant to be moved and thawed, not set down roots. She was always in a shadow, despite trying to make way for a better day, a brighter day. She could move faster than her brother, with less notice. He needed her to continue her mission, but she would take no part.

He drove and blasted through cities as if they were his kingdoms. In a way, they were. He could make friends anywhere, a simple smile and a thoughtful word. He knew how to set out eyes to keep a watch for his sister. Despite his efforts, he could never quite describe her well enough. She had no features that stood out and never caught a glance at her for more than mere moments. At times she was like a rosebud, others like dirty slush melting in a street.

He chased, knowing the consequences of not following through. His sister was the key, if only she would listen to her older brother. He would make sure they succeeded. Everything rode on him finding her. If only he had more time.

She continued to move, constantly going from city to city, state to state, country to country. Even being on a plane too long presented time for her brother to catch up. If only he understood she could simply not hand herself over. But what life did she truly have? She traveled through life, trying to give life as she moved, but never quite received the glory she was due.  She was never truly seen, never admired, never made friends. Only the product of her work was considered beautiful. Her brother was the lucky one, despite how much of a fool he truly was. Maybe it was time to finally put an end to things.

He was drawing close. No one could outwit him, not even his own sister. She traveled too much, never realizing the bottle he was placing her in. Time was drawing near. He hated traveling, but it was necessary. His sister could run no more. He knew her better than anyone. She could not escape. Even having not spoken to her in several months, he could still manipulate her.

"Brother," she shouted from a southern household, a more than usual place to find her this time of year, "it is about time you found me for more than a moment."

"Sister, why have you been running? You know what happens if we fail."

She stretched and sauntered out in the open. "I know what happens if we do not fail, too."

He shook his head. His sister had no idea what she was dealing with. "It is time to come out for a while. The people need you."

She shook her head. "Brother, can you no longer hold on?" His hair was less white than usual. It was a telling sign, one she regretted.

He nodded. "Sister, it is time to put this to an end. I need you to. I've held on long enough."

She sighed heavily, kneeling onto the frozen ground. It was such a burden, but one that the people needed. She could feel her long, sunny hair flow in the bitter wind. "Alright brother, I am ready."

This time he sighed with relief, walking over to his sister and kneeled beside her. "Spring, I know you are not the most beloved, but the people need you to keep life going. You are essential to what Summer, Fall, and I do."

Spring smiled, her rosebud lips seeming to thaw the longer she smiled. It certainly was a heavy burden, being a season and making sure the cycle continued. She hated her mission, but gave in every time. Her brother never ceased to find her when it was time, just as she never gave up until she could relinquish her hold to Summer.

 

"Good bye, Winter. Sleep well and good luck running when Fall comes searching for you."

 

He smiled and took a deep breath before plunging into the earth. Spring shivered, but thrust her hands after him, readying the earth for the new growth she would bring.