"Since then..." Dad trails off, like he's debating whether to say the next part.
"Since thenwhat?"
He hesitates, then sighs. "He has a hard time being in the house. I told him he could stay in your old room."
My mouth drops open. "You gave him my room?"
"He was going through a rough time," Dad says simply. "He just slept in there. Nothing more."
I swallow, my mind spinning. "Well, I have no idea where he’s sleeping now, but he’s always at the house."
Dad nods. "He's been trying to clean out his grandma’s house. Sell it. Get himself something new. Something without all those... memories." His gaze darkens with understanding. "He's been going through everything, piece by piece, selling what he can. But it takes a toll. Some days he has to step away. Give himself time to breathe."
I sit with that for a long moment.
"I didn't know," I admit quietly.
Dad gives me a look. "Most people don't."
"I wish he would've told me," I murmur, more to myself than to Dad.
He exhales, shifting slightly in bed. "Brooks doesn't complain. He just gets on with it. Not like him to dwell on the past."
That's true.
"He took me fishing yesterday," I mention, my voice lighter.
Dad clicks his tongue. "Be careful, Ellie Girl. He's not like other boys."
I laugh softly. "He's not likeanyoneI know."
Before Dad can respond, a gentle knock on the open door makes me turn. Standing there, all easy smiles and carefully combed hair, is Holden.
"Thought I'd drop by, see how everything's going," he says, his gaze flicking between Dad and me.
Dad grumbles a low, unenthusiastic, "Hello, Holden."
Holden either doesn't notice or pretends not to. "Mr. Donovan," he greets with an almost forced cheerfulness. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Dad snaps, making it very clear he hasn't forgotten Holden's high school betrayal.
Holden tuts like he actually believes that answer. "Good, good." Then, turning to me, he hesitates. "Uh, Elowen, can we talk? Out here?"
I glance at Dad before quickly standing and following Holden into the hallway.
Crossing my arms, I tilt my head. "Everything okay?"
His hands slide into the pockets of his navy scrubs. "I was wondering if you were free tomorrow night?"
My mouth parts, but no words come out.
Holden laughs softly. "Elowen, dinner tomorrow? Catch up?"
I blink, surprised. The no-longer-teen Elowen in me answers before the old hurt can. "Sure. Seven?"
"Sounds like a plan." Holden grins, gives me an awkward little wave, then heads off down the hall.
I exhale, turning back toward Dad's room, but my stomach twists with unease.
