Christmas mornings passed without presents.
There had been no messages when the boys won their first science fair.
No phone call when Owen broke his arm.
No visit when Eli spent four nights in the hospital.
Daniel had gradually disappeared until his absence became an ordinary piece of our lives.
Like the missing chair at our kitchen table.
“I told him about you,” I said softly.
Eli looked at me.
“When?”
“Years ago. I sent photographs. School updates. Letters.”
“Did he answer?”
I shook my head.
Owen drew in a breath.
Then he reached for his brother's shoulder.
“Doesn't matter. We've got a competition to win.”
Eli gave a small smile.
It was the sort of smile brothers share when neither wants to admit the other is hurting.
I wanted to pull them both into my arms.
Instead, I straightened their badges.
“Then you'd better go remind Texas what two stubborn boys from Cedar Ridge High School can do.”
