Jackie and Magnus

Jackie and Magnus are brothers.

Magnus came home from work and sat on the couch, as was his custom, and waited for the NBC Nightly News to begin. He watched the evening broadcast and the same old thing was happening all over the world.

"And finally tonight..."

When the broadcast ended, Magnus tried to get up from the couch. His upper body moved forward but his lower half remained on the couch. He laughed. And then he cried for hours as he realized he had lost all control of his legs and that there was no help coming until morning. Jackie worked graveyard shift and would walk through the front door at dawn. Magnus went through several emotional states before he drifted into sleep.

He heard Jackie's car on the gravel driveway and woke up. He tried again to stand up. He pushed against the seat cushions with his hands and listened as the signals he sent from his brain to his legs reported back. Error.

Jackie opened the front door and saw his brother sitting on the middle of the couch.

"You are up early."

Magnus cried. Jackie passed out.

Two years went by and Magnus never got off the couch. Not for anything. Jackie brought all his meals and took care of his every day bodily functions. The logistics of this feat need not be told in any detail.

It occurred to Jackie that Magnus may be feeling a bit depressed. He brought home a wheelchair from the thrift shop.

"I thought it would make you feel better," said Jackie.
"It would make me feel better if you got the hell out of here," said Magnus, the elder brother.
"If I leave how will you eat?"
"Take that Merle Haggard record with you."
"What's wrong with Hag? If I leave, you will die."
"I know."

Jackie cried. Magnus passed out.

It took three weeks for Magnus to die. It took another week for neighbors to call the city and complain about the smell coming from the house. When city officials came into the house, they discovered the horror of Jackie and Magnus.

The turntable was on and skipping.
"Silver wings." Pop. "Silver wings." Pop. "Silver wings." Pop. "Silver wings." Pop. "Silver wings." Pop.