Paul returns home on Friday
with only a day to spare
from his medical school program
ever the big brother he grills me about Ben
and he takes me for a long, cold walk
to catch up
he doesn’t say much about Ethan,
like Dad he seems unable to speak
when the subject comes up

but he does say that I’m brave
that word that keeps coming up
“I was scared. Not brave,” I say

“Luce. Bravery is the courage to do what is right,
even in the face of fear. You did what was right.
And I’m proud of you.”

he wraps his arm around my shoulder and squeezes
“Now. Tell me more about this Ben guy.
Is he nice to you?”

“Yeah. He is,” I say, a smile springing up from deep inside