“You want to come help me grill some turkey burgers for dinner?”Declan asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Sure.” I follow him out of the motor coach and over to the outdoor grill we set up for our week’s stay.
“So how are you really doing?” Declan says, his eyes on the turkey patties as he unwraps them.
“I’m doing okay.” I start up the grill and go silent.
“Your dad’s the best,” he says in a low tone.
“I know.”
“I know you do. And I know you’ve got my brother and Dylan—all the cousins your age. But I’m here, too, if you ever want to talk.” His gray eyes find mine.
I slap his back. “Thanks. This vacation has been exactly what we needed, you know? I hope my dad’s having a good time.”
Except I also know he’s sick. Sicker than I’m admitting to myself or than my mom’s saying. There’s a relief in denial, in pretending that everything is okay even if it’s not. Why talk about how bad things are when we can focus on the beauty of the mountains or the warm rays of sunshine?
Dad’s doctor okayed the trip and said she thought the change of scenery and family time was a great idea. And she was right. Some days here in Colorado have been perfect. The three of us have laughed a lot and done a lot of reminiscing. But Dad’s been up and down in terms of his energy levels.
When I can’t handle the oppressive feeling of sadness that overwhelms our motor home, I go play football. Normally, I would text with Dylan or Jenson or one of the others, but this week…I’ve needed the isolation in some weird way.
“Cam says he hasn’t heard from you much lately,” Declan says casually as we lay the patties on the grill.
“Cam’s got a big mouth,” I say. “And since when does he talk to you anyway?”
“We’re brothers,” Declan says simply. “Just because we don’t have what he has with you guys—he and I still keep up.”
I remember my conversation with Sky earlier about siblings, and for a second, I’m envious that Cam and Declan have each other. Being an only child has its perks for sure, but when one of your parents is ill, it can feel lonely.
“Well, you can tell him I’m fine. I’m good,” I add.
“Tell him yourself,” he says.
“What do you mean?”
He holds up his phone. “He knows I’m here. He asked that we call him.”
I shrug. “Okay. Let’s call him.”
Declan places the call, but as soon as it connects, he hands his phone to me. While he finishes cooking dinner, I walk over to the nearest pine tree and sink down with my back against it.
“I’m visiting Dyl and Bray,” Cam says. “They’re here, and I’m going to patch in J and Ayden now.”
“Oh, shit,” I say, rubbing my eyes. “Why does this feel like an ambush?”
“Because it is.” Brayden’s gruff voice comes through the phone. “We’re worried about you. How’s Uncle Kent doing?”
“Better,” I lie. “The vacation’s been great.”
“Hey,” Ayden says as he comes on the line.
“Ayd.” I wait for a second until I hear Jenson call out, “Hey, Colt. What’s up?”
“Like I was just telling the others, we’re having a great trip.”
“We know you need time alone with your parents,” Dylan says. “But we just wanted to check in. It’s got to be lonely there.”
“Not so much,” I say. “I’ve found some guys at the resort to play football with. And the weather’s been perfect.”
