A strong, winter breeze blew through the room. Unconsciously, the girl hugged her legs closer to her chest. Even the consistent blizzard beyond the walls of the orphanage couldn't drown out the screaming. Often times, Erin and Brendan would get into screaming fits, much to Robin's dismay. It certainly didn't help the constant headaches that plagued her. All she wanted was her brother. All she wanted was someone to hold onto as her untreated illness slowly consumed her. If her illness continued like this, untreated and hidden away within her own body, yelling could be the last thing she heard. 

That thought droned around her head annoyingly. Like a swarm of mosquitoes, out for blood and spreading death. Suddenly jolting when something brushed against her leg, Robin sighed when she noticed it was just Ash. The monochromatic, grey cat mewed softly in concern. A smile came to Robin's mouth, though it never reached her eyes. 

Slowly getting up, Robin struggled to the door. Walking down the steps, feeling out of breath, she meekly called to her brother. 

"Brendan," she continued. "Could you come back up? Please?" 

Brendan snapped his head towards her in panic. 

"What are you doing down here? Come on, upstairs we go." 

Putting his arm around her shoulders, he guided Robin up the stairs. Feeling a soft glare to the back of his head, Brendan looked towards Erin. A burning hate for Brendan raged within the blond's eyes. Around his neck lay a cross, one that his eyes betrayed. Truly, Erin Turner was the devil in an angel's body. A wolf in sheep's clothing, if you will. Of course, even the devil has his own demons.

Abandoned at the age of eleven, Turner had been in the system since. Being diagnosed when he was fifteen, two years ago. Though he hadn't known Robin for long, he did have an attachment. To him, she was an angel who was unfortunate enough to be born sick. 

Slowly, Erin trailed after the siblings, a jealous fire in his eyes. Brendan didn't know how to take care of Robin. He can. He has to. For her sake. And his own.  His quiet, nearly silent, footsteps padded after Robin and Brendan. Upon reaching the siblings's bedroom, he gently took Robin out of Brendan's arms. And, though he wanted to protest, Brendan kept quiet. 

Brendan knew full well that he didn't know what he was doing, Erin did. Brendan didn't have the background to assist Robin.

Laying Robin down on her stained mattress, Erin ordered Brendan to get Robin water. As she wavered in and out of consciousness, Erin spoke.

"You stupid little girl. Don't worry, I'll always hold onto you and take care of you."

He tightly grabbed her hand as his lips curled down slightly. He had wished to talk with, more like at, you more. Of course, he understood that his love needed rest after all.

Erin lightly kissed Robin's head, earning a glare from Brendan who had been standing in the doorway for the last five minutes.

"Don't touch my sister like that you fucking creep."

A forces smile made its way to Erin's face as he harshly took the glass of water from Brendan. Leaving it in the windowsill along with some medication.

Brendan shooed Erin out. He wanted his sister to have a peaceful rest and he knew Erin wouldn't allow that. Brendan loved his sister, truly, but he was losing hope she would survive. Looking out the window, which had previously been slammed shut, he saw a small bird sitting on a branch just barely holding on. A red bird. The birds rusty orange feathers were dusted with white snow. Even its wings, which were tucked close to its small body were frozen in place. The bird was just as free as a man strapped to a chair.

Out of the corner of his eye, Brendan sees Robin shift uncomfortably. He slowly places a large, furry blanket on top of Robin.