39| Sharing an Umbrella Under the First Snow

CASEY

The first snow fell that night. I ignored the conversation between my three half-brothers, David, and my mom in the living room. I stood up from the sofa and moved closer to the window. I placed my palm on the cold, dewy glass.

My gaze wandered to the yard of the house. Snowflakes fell gently, starting to coat the trees and the ground.

"What do you think, Casey?"

I heard David say my name, but I didn't understand what he was asking. My opinion about what? I didn't even follow their chat.

My eyes were still glued to the page. Under similar snow, I once experienced an incident I will never forget.

"Did you see anyone you know there?"

Because I didn't respond to David and the others' chatter, Raff came closer and leaned against the wall next to me. He folded his arms across his chest while holding a glass of soda.

That's when I realized the atmosphere was quiet and awkward. They no longer chatted and instead watched me daydreaming alone. Raff looked at me seriously.

"Why are you li