This day was similar to every day. We were in the park playing catch. Anthony, as usual, couldn't make a leap. He tried to catch the ball but fell on his knees.
Poor Anthony, I thought. He struggles every moment in his life as his health never matches up to his spirit. He wanted to play, jump and live like every other kid in the locality, yet he tires easily.
When he was only 4 years old, he was diagnosed with a tiny yet fatal hole in his heart. Since then our world turned upside down. We knew that we have very less time with him. I had to take care of him all the time so that he doesn't miss out on anything. One day while I was carrying Anthony back from school, he said, "Christi, you are the best sister in the world." I could see the gratitude in his eyes. He hugged me and then went off to sleep on my shoulders. He was tired of walking down the school stairs. I held him tight and headed home.
That evening, Anthony was a little under the weather. I sat beside him and made sure he was warm. I dragged his bed closer to the fireplace and smiled at him. He smiled back at me and asked me when I was leaving for college. I kissed him on his forehead and said, "Not when you are ill." He got happy and hugged me hard.
Two days later, I had to leave for college. When I was leaving, Anthony ran to me with a small piece of paper which said, "I love you Christina, Anthony :)." I kissed him on his cheek and went back to college with a heavy heart. I missed him.
A month later, he passed away. I could not see him one last time. I had the parchment with me. I knew that piece of paper won't exist till I die. I decided to get something permanent which will keep me close to Anthony all my life.
So, I decided to get a tattoo of the last thing that Anthony wrote to me in his handwriting. So, I did.
Wherever Anthony is, his handwriting will always be inked on my arm. His last words for me was, "I love you Christina, Anthony :)." And that no one can take from me in this life except death. Then I will be able to meet my baby brother again.
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