My Mother Left Me Her House, but Only If I Let My Brother Move in – on Christmas Morning, Everything Finally Made Sense

He did silly voices when he read Mia’s story. He listened while Leo explained how the robot worked in excruciating detail.

He didn’t rush. He didn’t disappear.

Later, we ended up in the kitchen again.

“I’m going to a group next week,” he said, drying a plate.

“Other people who did undercover work. Helps with… coming back to normal life.”

“Is that even possible?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I hope so.”

We looked at each other for a long moment.

“I’m not promising you anything,” I said.

“Not some Hallmark-movie reconciliation.”

He smiled a little. “I’d settle for you not flinching every time I walk into a room.”

I sighed. “That one might take a minute.”

He nodded.

“I’ve got time.”

In the months after that, he kept showing up for things. He was really the reliable brother I’d once known.

He saw a therapist. Went to his group.

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