Page 11 of Return To You

Once I finish Ms. Angela’s massage, my thoughts are back under control, my emotions in check. So while she gets dressed, I text my brother, Colton. He’s a little bit of a hermit. Not too much, but just really quiet. I like to call him every day, even if he rarely picks up. I still leave him a message, tell him I’m just checking in on him and that I love him, that sort of thing. I just like to let him know.

I know, I’m a little different like that, and I wear my emotions on my sleeve a lot. Well, most of them. Today, because I don’t want to interrupt people’s quiet time, I text him.

Me

What’s up? <3 u

Colton

Everything okay?

Why is he asking that?

If this is about the listing, yes, I’ll figure it out.

Colton

What listing?

Why are you asking me if I’m okay?

Colton

Nothing.

Bubbles float under Colt’s name for a beat. Then nothing again. Then bubbles.

Colton

What’s up?

There must be something he wants to talk about.

Me

What’s going on?

Colton

Nothin

You’re weird.

Colton

You’re weirder

You weirdo

Colton

gtg

Wait

Can you take Dad to the fair today?

Our father has congestive heart failure, and with Mom working a lot, we help take care of him.

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