Page 49 of Penalty to the Heart

Dad never had much patience with me.

Not like he had with Jack.

But then again, Jack never needed him to. Jack just knew what to do all the time. He was good at everything he did.

Unlike me.

I’m a hardhead.

And an eejit.

Dad’s words. Not mine.

The only one who has a bucketful of patience for me is Jack. That’s why he’s the best big brother anyone could have.

“There. All better.”

“Thanks.” I smile, happy to be able to breathe again.

Jack returns to his spot at my side as everyone continues to pay their respects to our mom.

“I didn’t know Dad had so many friends,” I whisper, not recognizing most of the people who’ve shaken Mom’s hand.

“He didn’t. But when a cop falls dead on his feet with a heart attack while walking his beat, people tend to show up to pay their respects. Don’t worry. You won’t see these people’s faces ever again. Soon enough, they’ll forget Dad even existed.”

I frown at that.

I may not have had a great relationship with my dad, but he was still my dad. I loved him.

How can anyone forget him? Like he was never here?

“Hey, are you okay?” Jack asks with concern when I start sniffling.

“I guess.” I shrug.

Jack, being taller than me by a good ten inches, lowers himself to my eye level.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, placing his hands on my trembling shoulders.

“If I die, will people forget me, too?”

My brother’s expression turns even sadder than it was before.

“Of course not. Why are you asking me that?”

“Well, you just said everyone Dad ever knew will forget him,” I try to explain, wiping my runny nose with my sleeve.

“They might, but who cares? We won’t. That’s what’s important,” he tries to reassure.

“You’ll … never … forget me, will you, Jack?” I hiccup, my tears free-falling down my cheeks.

“Hey!” he blurts out assertively and gives my shoulders a good squeeze. “Never. I’d never forget you. You might be a pain in the ass, but you’re still my baby brother.”

“Promise?” I sob

“I promise.” He nods with a soft smile. “Would you ever forget me?”

I shake my head with all my might.

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