Dear Young Heartbreaker,

I know you're out there somewhere. I know you exist because sooner or later, every person gives their heart to someone they trust, and it always gets returned shattered into a million pieces. You may not come into my little brother's life for many more years, or it could be as little as a few months, but when you do.. please be gentle.

Let me tell you about the boy whose feelings you will crush.

While he may only be ten years old now, he has more love in his tiny little heart than many adults have gathered over several decades. He loves unconditionally, even now. No if's, and's, or but's; no contracts for his love; no pinky promises. He puts his trust fully into those he loves, and he never lets it waver.

He's sensitive. While that may be seen as a negative or looked down upon aspect for a boy, it is the most pure and innocent trait he has. He cries when cartoon characters in movies get in verbal fights because he wants for everybody to be happy together. He gets upset when you raise your voice at him because all he is ever trying to do is show you love. He gets disappointed when he has nobody to play with him because it means they do not have time for him, but he made sure to make time for them. His feelings are more precious than any gemstone you could ever desire, and more pure and rare because they are uniquely his.

He's adventurous. His imagination runs so freely and so wild you may never be able to catch up. But he would slow down for you, so that you could see the world as vividly and as beautifully as he does.

I know you're out there, Little Heartbreaker. You should know that I understand that one day his heart will inevitably be broken. You should also know that whether you come into my little brother's life in six years or in six months, I secretly hope you never come at all. You see, as his older sibling, I am his protector from every evil in this world, and you are one of the worst. I dread the day that you walk out of his life, leaving his shattered heart in his hands knowing well that his tears won't be able to fix it.

My little brother is everything good in this world. He is pure, innocent, sweet, funny, intelligent, caring, compassionate, and everything in between. He deserves only happiness and love, because that is all he has ever given. And so, I ask of you just one favor:

Please take your time in showing up in his life.

Love,

The Forever Protecting Older Sibling