The Winter Knows No Frost
My father bought twin brothers from the black market to serve as bodyguards for me and my sister.
My sister chose the tall, strong older brother, leaving me with the frail, mute younger one.
Feeling sorry for him, I kept him close, seeking doctors for his silence and maintaining distance to respect his apparent OCD.
I thought trauma had shaped him that way. But when our father's enemies kidnapped us, he abandoned me without hesitation, choosing to die shielding my sister.
In his final moments, he spoke for the first time. "You finally see me."
To me, he said, "In the next life, please don't choose me."
I realized then that he was neither mute nor afflicted with OCD. His silence and aversion were directed solely at me.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day we chose the bodyguards.
This time, I'd grant his wish.