You Can’t Catch Me

“You can’t catch me!” she said, giggling as she darted through the hallway, her small feet pattering against the hardwood floor. Her brother, Jack, rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. Lily was always so full of energy, her playful spirit lighting up the house even on the dullest days.

“Slow down, Lily!” Jack called after her, his tone more amused than serious. He was only a few years older than her, but he had always felt like her protector, a role he took on ever since she was born.

“Never!” Lily’s voice echoed through the hall as she darted into the living room, her blonde curls bouncing with every step. She had always been quick, a little ball of energy that no one could seem to catch—especially not her older brother.

Jack gave chase, though he knew exactly how this game would end. Lily would keep running until she was out of breath, and then she’d collapse into a heap of laughter, knowing full well that Jack could’ve caught her at any moment but chose to let her win. It was a tradition of sorts, one that had started when Lily was just learning to walk.

As they played, their mother watched from the kitchen, smiling softly at the sight of her children so happy and carefree. They were inseparable, Jack and Lily, and she knew that as long as they had each other, they’d always be okay.

Years passed, but some things never changed. Lily was now a teenager, still as vibrant as ever, but the games had evolved. Their bond, however, remained just as strong, if not stronger. Jack, now a young man on the verge of adulthood, still felt the same protective instinct toward his sister, but he knew she was growing up and that she needed to find her own way in the world.

“Jack, you’re not the boss of me,” Lily said one evening as they argued over curfew. She had her hands on her hips, her defiant stance reminding Jack of when she was just a little girl refusing to go to bed.

“I’m just looking out for you, Lily. It’s not safe to be out so late,” Jack insisted, trying to keep his voice calm. He hated when they fought, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to keep her safe, now more than ever.

Lily sighed, her frustration melting into a softer expression. “I know you care, but you’ve got to trust me, Jack. I’m not a little kid anymore.”

Jack knew she was right, but that didn’t make it any easier. He had always been the one to catch her when she fell, the one to stand between her and the world’s dangers. Letting go, even just a little, was harder than he had imagined.

Despite their disagreements, their bond only deepened over time. Jack saw himself not just as a protector but as someone who would always be there for Lily, no matter what. He knew life would throw challenges their way, but they would face them together, just as they always had.

The night was dark, the city’s lights casting long shadows as Jack raced up the stairs of the old building. His heart pounded in his chest, fear gnawing at the edges of his mind. He had received a frantic call from Lily earlier, her voice shaky and terrified. Something had gone wrong—very wrong—and now he was running to her, as fast as he could.

“Lily!” Jack called out as he reached the rooftop, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. His eyes darted around until they found her, standing too close to the edge for his comfort.

“Jack…” Lily’s voice was small, a stark contrast to her usual confident tone. She was scared, more scared than Jack had ever seen her, and it broke his heart.

“Lily, come here,” Jack pleaded, taking a cautious step toward her. “It’s okay, I’m here now. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together.”

Tears streamed down Lily’s face as she looked at her brother, her big blue eyes filled with regret and sorrow. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, Jack. I just… I don’t know what to do.”

Jack reached out a hand, his voice gentle but firm. “It’s okay, Lily. Just come to me. I’m here to catch you, remember?”

For a moment, Lily seemed to hesitate, then she took a small step toward him. But the rooftop was old, unstable, and before Jack could react, the edge crumbled beneath her feet.

“Lily!” Jack’s scream tore through the night as she slipped, her small frame falling backward into the void. Without thinking, Jack lunged forward, his hand grasping desperately for hers.

And then he caught her.

Lily dangled in the air, her fingers clinging tightly to Jack’s as he struggled to pull her up. Every muscle in his body burned with effort, but he didn’t care. He wasn’t going to let her go. He couldn’t.

“You can’t catch me,” Lily whispered, her voice trembling with fear and relief. But this time, the words carried a different meaning, one laced with the weight of the situation and the trust she had in her brother.

“I’ve got you, Lily. I’ll always catch you,” Jack said through gritted teeth as he hauled her back onto the rooftop, collapsing beside her once she was safe. They lay there for a moment, both shaking, but together.

Finally, Lily turned to him, her eyes full of gratitude and love. “You always do.”

Jack wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “And I always will.”

The night was still, the city below them unaware of the life-or-death struggle that had just occurred on the rooftop. But for Jack and Lily, it was a reminder of the bond they shared, one that went beyond games and arguments. It was a bond built on trust, love, and the unspoken promise that, no matter what, they would always be there for each other.

“You can’t catch me,” Lily said softly, her voice echoing the playful words she had said so many times before.

Jack smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “But I did.”