Daniel ran inside to find our mother before I landed.
Nothing had really changed.
I built.
Daniel protected.
I expanded.
Daniel preserved.
For decades, those differences complemented each other.
Until illness turned them into opposing philosophies.
“What do you think your brother is afraid of?” Dr. Shah asked.
I stared at the floor.
“That I’ll destroy what we built.”
“And what are you afraid of?”
“That he’ll keep it safe by taking it away from me.”
When I said it aloud, the conflict suddenly seemed painfully clear.
Two brothers.
Both afraid.
Both mistaking control for protection.
Daniel came to my apartment that evening.
For the first time in months, he came alone.
No attorney.
No Vanessa.
No Mark.
He stood in the doorway until I motioned him inside.
“You talked to Gregory,” he said.
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“I expected you would.”
“Did you know Dr. Leland recommended waiting?”
