Turning the Page: From Endings to New Beginnings
My sentiments after watching the finale episode of The Originals (for the second time) on my little sister’s 25th birthday.
The Originals centers on the Mikaelson family of New Orleans, the first vampires to ever exist, and their promise of “always and forever” for over a thousand years. It follows the family’s quest to protect Klaus’ mystical child, Hope, who’s seen as a threat to all supernaturals thus causing a war between vampires, werewolves, and witches. It’s a story of never-ending betrayal, power-hungry supernaturals, and hope for redemption. If that’s not interesting enough, let me tell you that I’ve watched and rewatched the entire show, and I would do it all over again.
But… I’m not here to write a full review of The Originals. Well, at least not yet. I want to talk about the brotherly love between two of the main characters of the show, Klaus and Elijah, and how it reminded me of my relationship with my sister.
Klaus Mikaelson, a vampire-werewolf hybrid, is the self-proclaimed king of New Orleans’ French Quarter known to be the most powerful immortal whom everyone fears. He projects his past traumas onto others by means of rage. He is wild, unpredictable, has quite a temper, and can be very impulsive. But underneath all that, he has a soft spot for his family — especially Elijah whom he seeks wisdom and guidance from.
Elijah Mikaelson, on the other hand, is the calm and collected brother. He’s the moral compass of the Mikaelsons, always striving to do what’s right. His life revolves around Klaus. For over a thousand years, he hasn’t loved anyone the way he loves his brother. That’s why, in the end, Klaus’ death only meant one thing for Elijah: he had to die with him.
Despite their differences, Klaus and Elijah would do anything for each other. And Elijah would do anything for Hope as much as Klaus would. They’ve been through thick and thin together, and their loyalty to one another is rock solid. They have their fair share of disagreements, but their love for each other wins over everything else. It’s a fascinating and complex relationship that adds depth and emotion to The Originals and keeps fans like myself coming back for more.
If you personally know me, you will agree that I was a lot like Klaus some years ago. Make no mistake, though, I’m not a powerful immortal (ahem, one can wish), but I was mad at the world at one point in my life. Just like Klaus, my past traumas got the best of me. I lost faith in humanity that I would never trust anyone with my life or even a pen. I was also unpredictable and impulsive — okay, maybe I still am, just a tiny bit. But you know what? My sister never left my side. In this story, she’s my Elijah. And my daughter is our Hope.
My sister witnessed my rebellious era early in life as I took her in when she was only 11. She saw every episode of my wrath as well as my depressive moods. She watched people leave my side as I became a self-sabotaging toxic person. I thought, maybe, she wanted to leave just as much as everyone else at that point but felt like she had no choice. After all, she was just a kid.
I was wrong.
I wasn’t all she had. At the time, she could’ve told my brother or begged every other kind-hearted relative to take her in, but she didn’t. Instead, she stayed by my side and grew up understanding every bit of my being. She didn’t see me as a miserable person who only cared about myself like I thought she did.
My sister believed in the good in me that was buried deep under all the hatred in my heart. She saw in me something that every other person didn’t.
She stuck by me for more than a decade, even after having a child of my own. She helped me get back up where I fall and would still lend a helping hand every now and again. Sometimes, I thought she felt obligated to do so because I basically raised her. I would feel bad whenever I asked for more favors because I didn’t want her to think that she was repaying a never-ending debt.
Then one more huge favor: to look after my daughter in my absence. And it wasn’t just for a day or two, but she said yes without hesitation. She took care of my daughter like she was her own. She had just graduated from college then, but instead of chasing her dreams while YOLOing between adventures, she let me do it first.
Little sis let me rediscover myself and do whatever I had to do to get back on track. And I did, but that meant it was time for her to turn the page and start a new chapter of her life. It’s time to let me go. It’s time to focus on herself and her future. No more looking after big sis because she’s all good now. No more worrying about little niece because she made sure that grandma knows exactly how my daughter likes her pancakes.
As for me, I know I wasn’t the ideal example to my sister then. To be honest, it was as if she raised me more than I raised her. And I am certainly nowhere near the best representation of a grown-up now, but at least she saw where I failed, and I trust that she will not go through the same path I did.
To my dearest sister: As you start this new chapter in your life, may each page you turn bring you closer to your ultimate purpose. Know that you have my unwavering love and support as you venture on this new journey. Whether you need advice, a listening ear, or simply someone to celebrate your victories with, I’m here — just like you were for me all those years. So go ahead and chase your dreams, reach your goals, and embrace every moment with all your might. I’m excited to witness your greatness unfold. It’s your turn, Han.
Your biggest fan,
