Kai stared at his coffee.
After a while, he said, “I was a terrible brother.”
“Yes. You were.”
“I was a terrible brother.”
“Can we ever fix this?”
“I don’t know.”
He nodded.
“If we talk again,” I added, “don’t begin by asking me to fix something for you.”
He didn’t answer.
“Can we ever fix this?”
I left money for my coffee and went home.
By my next birthday, the divorce was moving forward.
A few friends took me to a small restaurant.
Mom and Dad came too.
By my next birthday, the divorce was moving forward.
Dad had remembered my favorite chocolate cake.
Mom arrived early.
Nobody mentioned Kai.
After dinner, Dad asked whether I had any plans for the coming year.
“Actually, I’m thinking about taking a trip.”
“Where?”
Nobody mentioned Kai.
I pulled out my phone.
