I’m envious. Like a confession at church, Jason Kelsey’s comments lingered in the atmosphere. Staring at his older brother across the kitchen island, Travis froze his beer halfway to his lips. It was after midnight. Taylor had meetings in New York. For the weekend, Kylie had brought the children to her mother’s house.

 Travis’s enormous home, which Jason could never afford despite his own prosperous NFL career, was just the two Kelsey brothers by themselves. Travis put down his beer and inquired cautiously. What did you just say? Jason examined, worn down, drained, and more than exhausted. His shoulders drooped and his eyes were bloodshot.

He was incapable of controlling his thoughts. Even though he wasn’t intoxicated, Jason said, “I’m jealous of your life.” In a tone full of emotion that Travis had never heard from his brother, Travis felt like he had been punched. Resentment. I’m jealous of everything you have. Jason was this person, his greatest buddy, his big brother, his defender, the person who taught him how to throw a football, shielded him from bullies, and had celebrated every one of Travis’s triumphs as if they were his own. “What are you talking about,

Jason?” Jason chuckled, but it was resentful. “Trav, hurry up. Take a look around. Take a look at this home. Take a look at your life. You’re in a relationship with Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift, you continue to perform at the highest level. You appear in podcasts and advertisements. Everyone wants a piece of me and Travis Kelce.

He pointed to himself. I’m merely the man who is retired. The husband, Jason Kelsey, the former Eagle Center. It was good once. Used to be important. That is untrue. It’s accurate. The voice of Jason Rose. Additionally, Travis had never heard his brother sound like this. Furious hut. You have no idea what it’s like to be your brother being compared to you all the time.

Travis did indeed catch five receptions for 87 yards. Travis has a  celebrity as his partner. Travis recently inked a huge endorsement contract. What about Jason? Jason is attempting to figure out what the hell he’s going to do with his life while changing diapers at home. Stunned, Travis sat back. I was unaware of your feelings.

 How could you? You’re overly preoccupied with living your ideal life. Life. Jason got up and paced Travis’s pricey kitchen. I thought I would be all right when I retired. I could ride out into the sunset, believing that I had served my time and won my ring. But Trav, do you know what retirement is? It’s being overlooked. It’s seeing everyone go on without you.

Jason, it’s being at home when you’re still the star. The worst part, too. Travis noticed tease in his brother’s eyes as Jason turned to face him. I love you, which is the worst part. My younger brother is you. I ought to be pleased for you. I ought to be proud. Additionally, I I am I promise that I am.

However, I also heard his voice break. Sometimes I despise you, too. I detest how effortless everything is for you. You got to continue playing whereas I had to stop which I detest. I detest the fact that I am merely a father and your girlfriend is the world’s most renowned person. The ensuing hush was overwhelming.

Travis was at a loss for words. When your hero informs you that he hates you, how do you react? Is it the reason you’ve been aloof? Silently, Travis inquired. You haven’t called or attended many games in the past few months. I I assumed you were simply occupied with the children. Jason said, “I was avoiding you because it reminds me of what I’m no longer doing.

Every time I see you see you with Taylor, I’ll learn about something new you’re doing.” Desperately, Travis continued, “But you have so much. Kylie is with you. You have three lovely children with the Eagles. You have left a legacy that no one can match.” Jason, you are first ballot hall of famer.

You are aware of what I own. Jason yelled. I am aware that I ought to be appreciative. I am aware of how wonderful my life is, but Trav, it doesn’t make the emotion go away. Travis’s phone buzzed on the counter, but that doesn’t stop me from seeing your face on every TV screen and thinking that should still be me, too. A text with Taylor’s name displayed on the screen. I miss you.

I’m excited to see you tomorrow. Redot, I adore you. Jason noticed it. Something stiffened in his face as he saw Taylor’s name. You see, you are reminded even when you’re not trying, you’re getting a good night text from Taylor Swift. In the meantime, my wife is most likely exhausted from having three children under her care.

Seven. Keep Kylie out of this. Why not? It is a component of it. Jason’s voice was rising once more. You get to go romantic vacations with Taylor. You get to live a beautiful life with red carpets and dating evenings. If Kylie and I are able to complete a conversation without one of her children interrupting, we consider ourselves fortunate.

It has been 6 months since our last actual date. We hardly speak at all these days except for practicalities since we’re so exhausted. Why is being picked up by whom? Have you settled the electricity bill? Elliot may have an A infection in my opinion. Travis got up and turned to faces. My brother, so this is to do with your marriage and Kylie.

No, Jason replied before pausing. I’m not sure. Perhaps it’s all mashed together. Your life appears effortless and flawless to me. I’m drowning when I look at mine, Trav. I feel like my greatest days are behind me, and I’m drowning in routine and duty. You still have your finest days ahead of you. But they are. Yes, they are.

It was my moment. It was my Super Bowl. I had a parade and it’s finished now. However, you are still moving forward, growing, and succeeding, and everyone is observing you. I’m no longer being watched.” Jason retreated as Travis made his way around the island in an attempt to get closer to his brother. Jason replied, lowering his voice, “I need you to understand something.

This is not how I want to feel. I detest having this feeling. My brother is you. I adore you. However, a part of me dies within when I see you triumph these days, and I’m not sure how to stop it. Travis softly said, “Maybe you need to talk to someone. I don’t need treatment or I need a therapist. I must not be invisible.

I must matter once more. Jason, you are important. Your family values you greatly to me as well, Travis. To whom else? Who else? name one non-family member who is currently concerned about Jason Kelsey. Travis was unable to do so fast enough and that hush, that pause seemed to support Jason’s argument. Jason chuckled angrily.

You see, not even you can think of anyone. That is unfair. I was simply put on the position by you. Little brother, life isn’t fair. I’m learning that you are capable of doing everything correctly. Play for 14 seasons. Take home a title. Despite being an excellent teammate, you will be overlooked while your younger brother gains widespread recognition.

 I’m not attempting to overshadow you. You’re not. I know that. That is what exacerbates the situation. You’re winning even if you’re not making an effort. Jason’s voice broke. Do you have any idea what it’s like to have folks ask me about myself when I go to the grocery store? How is Travis fairing? Does he actually have a relationship with Taylor Swift? Could you acquire his signature for me? No one inquires about me.

No one is interested in what I’m doing now. I’m just Travis Kel’s brother. Travis’s eyes burned now in his own eyes. You’re more than just my brother, Jason. You are a legend. You are a legend that no one can recall. A retired athlete in a sport that changes the moment you walk away. In Travis’s kitchen, they stood there. Once inseparable, the two brothers are now divided by animosity, success, and all the complex emotions that accompany each. At last, Travis apologized.

If I made you feel inferior, I apologize. If my life makes yours more difficult, I apologize. That’s not what I wanted. Jason gave his eyes a hard wipe. You are not to blame. I even though I know it’s not your fault, my feelings remain the same. What then should we do? How can we resolve this? I’m not sure if we can resolve it.

I’m not sure if this can be fixed. Travis was hit by the words like a truck. Was Jason implying that their romance was over because this made it impossible for them to remain brothers. They heard a car in the driveway before Travis could reply. Then there was a key in the door. Jason, your truck’s here. I thought you’d be ow.

Kylie halted in the kitchen doorway to observe the situation. What’s going on? Kylie inquired cautiously, putting down her bag. Two grown men, both with red eyes, clearly having been crying. The tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, Jason said immediately. Nothing. Jason, don’t ignore me. Kelsey, you two have been crying as I can tell.

What took place? Jason glanced first at Travis and then at his spouse, and a part of him appeared to shatter. He seemed to lose all of his pain, wroth, and hatred. Jason said, “I told Travis I was jealous of him.” Kylie’s face instantly softened. She walked over to her husband and touched his arm. “Oh, sweetheart. Did you know?” startled, Travis inquired. “I knew.

” “Of course,” Kylie remarked. “He and I are married. When your highlights appear on TV, I can see how he is. I see that when people inquire about you, he becomes silent. I can tell how difficult this change has been for him. Travis noticed a change in his brother’s expression as Jason turned to approach his wife.

 Love, simple, pure love. But you know what? I see too. Kylie went on now completely facing Jason. I notice a man who consistently provides for his children. I see a parent who never misses an opportunity to make kids laugh and who knows every word to the bedtime stories. I see a husband who makes sure I have coffee in the morning despite his struggles.

I see Jason and the man I fell in love with. She cuped her hands around his face. I am utterly enamored with you. Jason’s eyes began to well up with tears once more as usual. Even though I’m not. You are everything. Kylie firmly stated. Everything that matters is you. Indeed, Travis possesses the the spotlight. Indeed, he leads a lavish life.

You know what you have, though? We are yours. Your three children think you’re the greatest. Your spouse would pick you over anyone, any place, at any time. Jason, you have a family, a truly lovely, disorganized, and draining family, and that is more valuable than any spotlight. Jason drew Kylie into his embrace and buried his face in her shoulder.

Travis observed his brother embracing his spouse. “See how Jason’s back was caressed by Kylie’s hand. The way they worked together as if they were two parts of the same puzzle.” “I am,” Jason said into Kylie’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I’ve been so preoccupied with what I lack that I forgotten what I do have.” “Baby, I know. I am aware.

” Kylie gave him a temple kiss. However, I must be heard. You were my choice. This is the life I chose. I went without noise, craziness, and lovely mess. And every day, I would pick it once again. Red carpets are not what I want. I don’t want to be the center of attention. All I want is you.

Jason took a step back to observe her. Are you certain? Since I’m no longer the star, Kylie said, I’m just you. You’re just the love of my life. Moreover, you only need to be that. Travis was fascinated by what he was seeing, but he also felt as like he was invading someone’s personal space. It was love, real, unglamorous, daily love, the type that endured retirement, identity issues, bitterness, and all the difficult things.

Kylie, still clutching Jason, turned to face Travis. Your sibling has been having difficulties. But Travis, it’s not really about you. It’s about him attempting to discover his identity in the absence of football. That’s challenging. That is very challenging indeed. I’m still seeing you in there. It’s more difficult when it’s thick, but that’s not your fault, Travis answered. I know.

I still feel awful, though. Jason finally turned back to his brother and muttered. Don’t. Kylie is correct. I have things to work through. I ought not to have made it about you. However, it is at least in part about me. I’m adding salt to your wound with my achievements. Jason said, “Maybe. However, you know what? Since you are my brother and deserve your achievement, I must find a way to be happy for you.

You put forth a ton of effort to get it.” Travis strolled across the island and embraced Kylie and Jason. In the kitchen, the three of them stood there clutching one another. Man, I adore you. Into Jason’s shoulder, Travis spoke, “My hero is you. You’ve always been.” Jason answered, “I love you, too. Even when I’m envious, even when I’m acting foolishly. I adore you.

” They all wiped their eyes and laughed at how emotional they had become as they pulled apart. “What now, then?” Travis inquired. Jason needs to see a therapist now, Kylie said. Additionally, Travis, you must give up feeling bad about your success. We must all keep in mind that being different does not equate to being less.

Although your life and Jasons are not the same, they are both positive. They are both worthwhile. Jason put his arm around Kylie and said, “She’s right. And rather than dwelling on what I lack, I should begin to appreciate what I have. Because of what I have, Travis felt his heart tighten as he gazed at Kylie with such affection.

All that matters is what I have. Kylie gave Jason a kiss while standing on her tiptoes. Not a kiss. A genuine kiss. The type of kiss. After their breakup, Jason told Travis, “I’m sorry for dumping all that on you.” Don’t be. I’m glad you told me. I’m glad I know. And Jason, I get it. I get why you be jealous, but you should also know.

Travis paused and carefully considered what to say. Jason looked surprised at me and said, “I’m jealous of you, too.” “Yeah, you have this solid family. Kylie looks at you like you’re her whole world. You have kids who adore you. You have this foundation, this home, this life that’s genuine and stable.” Taylor and I are always in the spotlight.

We can’t go anywhere without being photographed. We can’t just be a regular couple. Sometimes I look at what you and Kylie have and I think that’s what I want. That normally, that privacy, that depth. Jason shook his head, grinning a little. So, we’re both envious of each other. Apparently, we’re idiots, Jason said. Travis agreed.

Kylie laughed. At least you’re idiots who love each other. Jason said, “I should get home. Kids will be up. You could stay.” Travis offered. Guest rooms are empty. Jason glanced at Kylie, who nodded and said, “Actually, that would be nice. Until tomorrow afternoon, the children are at my mom’s.

” As Jason and Kylie made their way upstairs to the guest suite at the top of the stairs, Kylie turned back and said, “Travis, thank you for what? We could actually sleep in for once. For cherishing him for allowing him to be truthful.” After they went upstairs, Travis nodded, not believing his voice.

He then sat back down at the kitchen island, picked up his phone, and saw three more texts from Taylor. Taylor, you okay? You usually respond by now. Taylor, if you’re asleep, that’s fine. Just checking in. Taylor, love you. Sweet dreams. Travis typed back. Had a long talk with Jason. I’m okay. He’s okay. We’re okay. love you too. Talk tomorrow.

After that, he sat in his large, expensive, empty house, and considered what Jason had said about jealousy, success, and what really mattered. Jason was correct. Travis had the limelight, the fame, the glamour, and Taylor Swift. But Jason had something else, something quieter, but perhaps more valuable. He had a partner who loved him unconditionally.

He had children who needed him. He had a purpose outside of football. Travis wasn’t sure which was better. Perhaps neither was. Perhaps they were just different, but he was certain that he was fortunate to have a brother who loved him. He was fortunate to have a sister-in-law who loved his brother enough to remind him of what was important.

Upstairs, Jason and Kylie lay in the guest bed, holding each other in the dark. “Thank you,” Jason whispered. “For what? I appreciate you reminding me for cherishing me. Kylie kissed Jason’s chest, saying, “I am so crazy in love with you, Jason. Your glory days aren’t behind you. They’re right here with me and the kids. This is your glory.

” Jason embraced her. Jason repeated, “I think I can do that. I know you can.” They fell asleep like that, wrapped in each other, reminded of what they had and how fortunate they were. In that quiet guest room in Travis’s house, Jason Kelsey realized something significant. Success wasn’t just about touchdowns and spotlights.

I’m sorry I’ve been so caught up in my own thoughts. I know, but I need you to come back to us. I need you to be present because we need you. If this story struck a chord with you, please hit the like button and let us know in the comments. Have you ever been jealous of someone close to you? If so, how did you handle it? Subscribe for more real stories about family, success, and what matters most.