Prologue

The Frontier of Ordinary

Nil & Aubin

The cold, swirling air filled the town where Nil lived. It was a memory of Christmas days that always warmed his heart, now colder than frozen coal. The bright day contrasted with the darkness within Nil’s heart. With the rise of the golden sun, the home Nil lived within sprung to life. The noises of traffic and people signaled him to wake up. He groggily pulled out a grey hoodie, once soft, now a rough fabric. Nil slipped into his jeans and laced the ties of his black shoes. He was still tired, being early in the morning. Brushing his teeth as he walked down the stairs, he thought of his brother Aubin.

Nil and Aubin had been planning for this day for weeks. This day was their family gathering, one they had only a couple of times each year. As rare as these days were, they were always the highlight of Nil’s year. Nil couldn’t help but burst with excitement. He could catch back up with what was going on with his family. He stepped toward the door to his apartment, opening the door for Aubin. They looked at each other.

“Aubin!” Nil yelled, “The stuff is in the kitchen! I’ll help carry it!” Together, they both carried the bags filled with food and gifts. After they grabbed the bags, the journey was to their parent’s home. It was a long way, a few miles as Aubin recalled. Determined to get there on time, they set off, their footsteps echoing in the busy world that was their town.

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Aubin spoke to Nil, “Don’t worry if we end up late. There’s no rush. Though it is disrespectful.” Nil still pushed himself harder, regardless. Finally, they reached the location.

They opened the door to a home full of memories. After setting the food down, Aubin and Nil hugged their parents in an embrace. It had been ages since they had seen their parents. And quickly after the embrace, Nil and Aubin were pitching in to help with the dinner.

There weren't a lot of ingredients or time they could work with, but they made it work, anyway. Nil cooked the chicken, while Aubin focused on the sweets. The two brothers took on the responsibility of cooking in honor of their parents, who could no longer manage such things. In the end, they managed a victory in which nothing caught on fire.

As they sat down, Nil lifted his drink to his mother and father. “I thank you for everything you have given me. I will do whatever I can to repay you someday.”

Their father smiled, nodding to him. Then Mom said, “Don’t worry sweetie, you already have made us proud.” As the sun dipped below the horizon, they ate for the rest of the time, with everyone filled with laughter and joy. Afterward, everyone said goodbye, and once again, Aubin and Nil were walking home. But as they went to a section of sidewalk, Aubin walked back to his home.

Aubin waved to Nil, a big grin on his face. “See you tomorrow, Nil.”

Nil was once again alone, walking back to his home. He walked up the steps, the weight of night starting to settle over him. He hoped that he would have enough time to take a nap before his night shift. Putting on his night clothes he thought about how truly boring his life is now. He brushed his teeth, turned off the lights, and went to his room.

He lay there on the soft mattress, the weight of the day finally leaving his shoulders. Slowly, the sounds of the town faded away as he closed his eyes, and then he fell asleep.