Ben and I spend the day catching up
but instead of being flustered or worried
Ben seems calm
resigned
to the way life must change
concerned only of having to
sell their house
and move closer to school
so that he can be Taylor’s guardian
and still finish his degree
fulfilling a promise to his mother
the proceeds of the house
along with the life insurance
would help them
make it

I feel so young
next to him
like he has sprouted into a
full-grown man
overnight
with the responsibilities
of someone much older

he asks about my own trials
and I confess my anxiety about Ethan
Ben draws his features tight
troubled
and grills me
on safety procedures

he reaches over and takes my hand
as we walk downtown
for the moment
just the two of us
enjoying the crisp fall day
and the smell of fireplaces
being used for the first time

lingering in my thoughts
though
is what the future holds
for him
for me
and
for us