The Truth and Acceptance
Days turned into weeks, and Fred’s condition continued to decline. He was still refusing to seek help, still putting on a brave face for George and everyone around him. But the truth was becoming undeniable. Fred was getting weaker, and George couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine.
It was a quiet evening when it finally happened. Fred had collapsed in their flat, unable to stand anymore. George rushed to his side, his heart hammering in his chest.
“Fred!” he cried, shaking his brother’s shoulders. “What’s going on? Talk to me!”
Fred’s eyes fluttered open, his gaze unfocused and distant. He tried to speak but could barely get the words out. His voice was hoarse, and he gasped for breath as if each one was a struggle.
“I… I’m sick, George,” Fred whispered, the words barely audible. “It’s… something rare. Something magical. But I didn’t want to tell you. I didn’t want you to worry.”
George’s heart shattered at the admission. He hadn’t known what was happening, hadn’t understood the extent of Fred’s condition. But now, hearing it from Fred’s lips, everything clicked into place.
“What is it?” George asked, his voice breaking as he wiped the tears from his face. “What’s happening to you?”
Fred looked up at George, his eyes filled with an unspoken apology. “It’s called Aetheris Sanguina. It’s a rare magical blood disorder. It’s not something that happens often, and there’s no cure.” He coughed weakly, struggling to sit up. “My blood’s becoming thin. It makes me weaker every day. My body’s fighting itself.”
George took a deep breath, trying to understand what Fred was saying. “How long have you known?”
Fred swallowed, his voice cracking. “A few months. I thought… I thought I could handle it. But it’s getting worse.”
“You should’ve told me,” George said, his voice full of frustration. “You’re my brother. We should be facing this together.”
Fred’s lips twisted into a small, tired smile. “I didn’t want you to have to deal with it. You’ve already been through so much.”
George shook his head, his heart heavy. “I don’t care what’s happened, Fred. You’re my twin. You’re not alone in this. You never have been.”
Fred closed his eyes for a moment, nodding slowly. “I know.”
The brothers sat there in silence for a long time, the weight of everything finally sinking in. It wasn’t going to be easy. But whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.