Sometimes, life just feels monotonous. At twenty-three, about to graduate with honors from the University of Oxford, I find myself wondering why, on my very last day of classes, I have to endure my tutor's lecture.

He's been talking for two hours... two whole hours!

Even though it's annoying, I try to be understanding. We did have a pretty close-knit group with the professors, but this is just too much.

"So, what's the best stage in life?"

What a curious question. You might think you'd never hear it, but it's surprisingly common; it even comes up in casual conversations.

In the end, most agreed that childhood was the best, arguing it's the time to have fun without a care in the world. While there's some truth to it, their answers are ridiculous. They sound like kids trapped in adult bodies. Pathetic!

"And with that, we conclude our final session. Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all the greatest success. I'd bet each of you has a brilliant future ahead."

"Thank you, Professor!"

Watching my classmates cry along with the professor almost makes me pity them. I'd better leave before the drama gets unbearable.

"Hey, Jack." Just as I step out of the auditorium, I hear this grating, high-pitched voice. "Why are you leaving so fast? Afraid someone might catch you tearing up?"

"Andrés, do I look like a washed-up college student to you?"

We both laugh as our classmates shoot us annoyed glances on our way out the door.

"Oh, by the way, are you coming to the party tonight?"

One of the few things I'll actually miss about university is the parties this guy throws: twelve hours of unrestrained fun.

"Of course, I'll be there. I was also going to ask if I can bring Louis."

"Sure! You can bring your clone." He gives me a sarcastic grin. "See you at 8:00 p.m."

What a dumb comment! My brother and I are pretty different... we only look slightly alike, that's all.

"Alright, see you later."

With my impressive height, a body that makes dumbbells feel insecure, honey-colored eyes that could make even the sun jealous, and dark hair that rivals the night in elegance, I've earned the reputation of being the most popular and sought-after guy in school. Any questions about why my picture should be under "handsome" in the dictionary?

Alison, Maria, Rebecca, or maybe Carol—any of them would make a great farewell choice; but I can't bring myself to make a move. I have to admit that, without Louis's help, I wouldn't have made it to graduation as a Mechatronics Engineer.

Throughout college, I spent every Friday night partying, drinking until my body had enough, and living it up. As a result, I'd spend practically the entire weekend sleeping.

And that's where my brother comes in... doing my assignments and projects!

He's the perfect blend of brains and brawn, the smartest and most disciplined person I know. Plus, his natural talent in martial arts adds an extra touch to the equation.

But he's not perfect; his introverted personality makes him hard for girls to understand, so his success with the opposite sex is pretty low.

He's never charged me for all the help he's given me, so my goal is to turn him into a real Romeo by the end of the party.

The weather guy had predicted a heavy storm, so at first, Louis refused to come along; however, I managed to convince him after a lot of insistence.

———————————————————————————————————————

It's 3:16 a.m., and the party's over.

As I watch an ambulance drive away with Andrés, I try to figure out where things went wrong. I think the storm wasn't the only thing that ruined the night...

We arrived at the party at 10:10 p.m., two hours late. My car mysteriously broke down, so we decided to take a taxi instead.

When we got there, it was raining, but since it wasn't too heavy, we entered the hall without much concern.

Everything was fine until around 1:50 a.m. Louis was enjoying the food and drinks, even chatting with a few girls, but everything changed when he exchanged a few words with Michelle, Andrés's girlfriend.

While they seemed to be talking normally, Andrés was even more drunk than I was. He misinterpreted the situation, and in a jealous fit, confronted him.

I tried to calm him down, but he wouldn't listen. He argued with Louis, and in a burst of anger, tried to punch him.

The alcohol must have made Andrés forget that my brother knows quite a bit of martial arts; Louis easily dodged the punch, then grabbed his arm and threw him down with force. The moment he hit the ground, we all heard the unmistakable crack of a bone breaking.

We immediately called emergency services. While we waited for the ambulance to arrive, we tried—unsuccessfully—to calm the drunken Andrés, who was bawling like a total mess.

Well, nothing went as planned. Whatever, I couldn't care less what happens to that idiot Andrés. I just want to go home and take a long nap. I'm exhausted.

"I'm calling a taxi. Could you let our parents know what happened?"

"Alright."

To make things worse, the rain is coming down harder by the minute. Luckily, the taxi arrives quickly; we get into the back and fasten our seatbelts.

How am I going to explain this to my parents? They'll definitely blame me. I'm out of excuses.

Lost in my thoughts, my brother interrupts me:

"Don't worry. It's all my fault. I'll take responsibility for what happened." He scratches his dark hair, looking nervous.

A brief silence fills the air before he continues.

"To be honest, I overdid it. I've never had that much to drink, and apparently, I don't handle it very well." He lets out a forced laugh, his honey-colored eyes looking at me with regret.

This is new to me—I didn't know Louis could act like this.

"Glad to hear it. Our parents were definitely going to pin everything on me. And by the way, thanks for coming to the party with me."

"You forced me to go, but I'll admit, it was fun to party for a change."

"The next time I go to one, you're welcome to come along. Just don't break anyone's arm, please."

"I'll go on one condition: that you don't drink too much."

What a response… that's a pretty tough condition.

After a few seconds of thought, I reply:

"You're cruel, but fair."

We both laugh at the same time. We rarely spend time together; our lives run on different rhythms, but tonight is special—my last party, my last mistake. Starting tomorrow, I'll have to be a mature man.

Suddenly, his phone rings. The contact name on the screen reads: "Mom."

"Don't answer it."

"Shh, shut up."

"Hi, Mom… Yes, we're fine," he answers calmly.

While he talks to our mother, he gives me a worried smile. I get the message; Mom is furious.

"Sure, here's Jack," he says, handing me the phone and whispering:

"Don't make her angrier than she already is."

"Hello? Who would you like to speak with?"

"You're too old to keep playing this game, Jack."

"Jack? Wrong number; you're speaking with Jesús."

"You're the older brother; act like it. You know Louis doesn't drink…!"

I listen to Mom's words and glance at my brother. He's looking at me with disappointment and whispers:

"You're an idiot…"

"Are you listening to me? This is serious! Have you thought about the money we'll have to spend because of your irresponsibility?"

With sarcasm, I reply:

"The money's not the problem. The real problem is that Andrés will go to his graduation in a cast. On the bright side, he'll be receiving his diploma with a very firm grip."

I couldn't resist making fun of the situation, and even Louis laughs quietly.

"You're not a child anymore, Jack! This is not funny at all. For heaven's sake, be responsible for once!"

I think I may have pushed Mom to a whole new level of anger. Louis was right… I'm an idiot. Why did I think it was a good idea to mess with her at a time like this?

"I understand, Mom. I'm really sorry, but…"

Just as I'm about to finish my sentence, a flash lights up the darkness, followed by an ear-splitting crack that leaves me frozen. Lightning strikes a tree just a few meters away, and it crashes down in front of the taxi. The driver reacts abruptly, swerving to the left to avoid the obstacle.

We're now in the opposite lane, and suddenly, a car speeding toward us slams into the front passenger door. The impact makes my head smash hard against the window. My vision blurs instantly, and I feel the vehicle start to roll. I grip the seat tightly, still clutching the phone in my hand.

When the taxi finally stops flipping, I make an effort to open my eyes, though I can only get one open.

"Jack!? Answer me, Jack! What happened?! Answer…!" My mother's panicked voice mixes with the heavy rain. My body refuses to move, and the throbbing pain in my head is unbearable.

Suddenly, I feel a firm grip.

"Brother…" With what little vision I have left, I make out Louis's bloodied face.

No, this can't be happening.

"Jack! Louis! Answer me!!" My mother's desperate screams echo loudly.

Gradually, I regain some awareness, only to be met by an intense pain in my legs; I can't move them. Fortunately, my hands are only numb.

Help will come soon. I need to stay calm.

"Mom… she sounds so desperate. Why?" Louis, disoriented and searching for answers, glances around.

No, Louis… I have to… I have to reassure him until help arrives. I'm his big brother!

"Maybe she saw the hospital bill…" I try to force a laugh, but a sharp pain in my chest silences me with a groan.

"Liar… The bills take time to come… Everything hurts… what's going on?"

People's shouts blend with the flashing lights pointed at the taxi. The driver lies motionless—he's likely dead.

"Mom, where are you…?" Louis whispers, his eyes welling up with tears.

With difficulty, I try to hand him the phone to calm him, but my weakened grip lets it slip and fall.

Damn it! Why did this have to happen now?!

"Jack! Louis! Please, say something!"

My legs stop responding, a chilling numbness wraps around me, and the pain intensifies; every breath feels like agony, as if a thousand needles are piercing my lungs.

Tears stream from my eyes. I can't pretend I'm okay anymore. With a final effort, I reach for my brother's hand.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"All of this… it's my fault…"

"That's not… true…"

He gently squeezes my hand, his hazel eyes meeting mine, and he gives me a genuine smile.

He's probably in even more pain than I am, yet he tries to smile. Looking at him, I realize we both had the same idea: to try and keep each other calm.

In the distance, I hear the sirens of police cars and ambulances announcing their arrival. The cold becomes more intense—it's obvious now that I'm losing more blood by the second.

"I love you, brother…"

"I love you too, bro…" Louis slowly closes his eyes, slipping into silence.

Gradually, I stop hearing my mother's desperate voice. Everything fades, and movement becomes impossible.

It's too late… forgive me, Mom… forgive me, Dad.

God, why is this happening? If anyone deserves punishment, it's me. Not Louis!

God, this isn't fair. What did my brother do to deserve this? What did he do wrong? If you're out there, do something—don't just watch!

I beg you… God, save us… give me the chance to see him again.