It only snowed for 3 or 5 hours, so why do I need to be so warm? Hell, I’m hot. Like Seymour summoning Anima. Now I’m thinking of Yuna, Cindy Aurum, and Tifa Lockhart; now I’m burning. Like going through Mortal Kombat. “Braxton’s Sick Burns, Virgil.”
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Journey 261 ~Braxton’s Sick Burns, Virgil~
1873 Days Without B III, Day 1314 of Virgil’s Arrival
Just Me, Baby B,
Did you have a good day? Hell, there was a time your day didn’t begin until you got your Cerberus on.
Guarding Hell’s gates? My way of saying your doggie gate whenever your grandparents or your mother came down the steps. Relax, B, we weren’t that southern. Your mother, aka my sister, gave you up. And next thing you and I know, you’re eating my pancakes.
Speaking of breakfast, as I sit here, B, your little brother, lying on his pillow on the floor, I had a crazy thought. Crazier than Far Cry 5’s “We Will Rise Again” when the world falls into the flames? That is so MAGA, seriously. Anyway, crazier than that apocalyptic story I wrote about the world ending in fire, “Apocalypse Rush. The Salamanders Dragon, Phoenix, Ifrit, and the Morning Star. Salamander Ho from Fahrenheit 451. Michael B. Jordan’s been all over.
“Pinch me, pinch me
‘Cause I’m still asleep
Please, God, tell me
That I’m still asleep.”
Barenaked Ladies ‧ 2000
I know Braxton, I know I’m jumping all over the place, and that’s because I’m burning all over. Not quite like that night after The Zoe Colletti/Tifa Lockhart Incident. I jumped out of bed so fast, and for the first time, ever, I wished I didn’t have, ahem… man parts.
Honestly, that’s the only time in history I ever wished you weren’t here. Knowing you, B, you would have given me one of your patented looks, saying, “You put me in time-out so you could be a dumbass, Daddy.” With that being said, I’m going to buy some cranberry vitamins and juice. And if this goes on another week, I’ll be figuring out how to pay for a doctor. Sell your books or Apocalypse Rush.
Yeah, because that’s going great. I’m not Robert Frost, all “Fire and Ice.” If I had been, I could have kept you alive… In body, not in book form. But I’ve never been hot at you for leaving B III. I’ve been mad at myself for 1873 days. But what else has me hot today?
Virgil’s being annoying, but that’s your little brother. I already told you I’m sick because of what happened on the 10th. I’m embarrassed and a little miffed at M Anime. Yup, FEAR is the worst, STUPID is behind it. uneducated… Difference with Animus and Anima…
Which makes me madder at myself for being angry with her. And Grok, writing better stories. I know that look B. Braxton’s Sick Burns, Virgil
It feels like I’m dying. I’m so scared all the time.” ― Mara, Spontaneous (2020)
Always and Forever,
Your Dad
