Chapter 3

I stayed there, watching them go, until the cold had crept through my whole body.

When it was time to submit our college choices, I selected Ashford University in front of them, just as they did.

Caleb cheered.

Audrey studied me with an unreadable expression, but said nothing.

What they didn't know was that I opened my laptop that night.

I applied to several universities overseas.

Then I looked up the early symptoms of ALS.

* * *

That weekend, Diane cooked a special dinner and insisted Audrey stay.

At the table, she urged more food onto Audrey's plate, smiling warmly.

"Eat up. I'm so glad you've been spending time with Caleb. The boy hasn't stopped grinning."

Then she looked fondly at me.

"Caleb and Julian both mean the world to me."

Caleb laughed. "Mom, you're embarrassing us."

Richard chuckled.

"Audrey's sensible. We know you're in good hands with her around."

The dinner table was full of warmth.

Caleb chattered excitedly about his plans for college. Audrey answered now and then.

I ate quietly, tasting nothing.

Diane watched the two of them sitting side by side.

"I never really noticed before, but you two make such a lovely pair. You look right together."

For a moment, the table went quiet.

Caleb flushed and stole a glance at Audrey.

She kept her eyes lowered. She didn't deny it.

Diane ladled soup into my bowl.

"And you'll find a wonderful girl too, Julian."

My fingers were cold as I accepted it. I managed just the right shy smile.

"Thanks, Diane."

After dinner, I carried the dishes into the kitchen.

I'd just turned on the tap when I heard footsteps.

Audrey stood in the doorway and lowered her voice.

"His parents want what's best for him. You owe them so much, Julian."

My heart began to sink.

"I changed your college selection. Northbridge University. It's far away. It'll suit you."

Water rushed into the sink. I tightened my grip on the bowl.

She was right. Far away would suit me.

Hearing her say it still felt like a knife in my chest.

I turned off the tap and faced her.

"Okay."

She blinked.

She clearly hadn't expected me to agree so easily.

I dried my hands and walked past her.

"Look after Caleb. I won't come near either of you again."

She opened her mouth, then said nothing.

That night, two new emails appeared in my inbox.

An acceptance from a respected university overseas.

Along with it came an invitation to participate in an early-intervention research project for neurodegenerative disease.

I stared at the screen for a long time.

Then I knocked on Diane and Richard's bedroom door and showed them the offer on my phone.

"You're going abroad?" Diane asked, startled.

I nodded. "I want to see more of the world."

Richard was quiet for a moment.

"Do Audrey and Caleb know?"

I shook my head.

"Could you keep it from them for now?

"I'm afraid they'll try to stop me. You know what Caleb's like."

Diane sighed and stroked my hair.

"Sweetheart, if you're ready to spread your wings, then go. We'll handle Caleb."

My eyes burned.

I hugged them both, hard.

"Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom."

Richard held on, his own eyes red.

"We're family. You don't have to thank us."

The next day, I booked a flight for the day after Caleb's birthday.

* * *

Two days before his birthday, I went up to the roof to bring in some bedding.

Below, Audrey and Caleb were sitting on a bench in the garden.

He looked sleepy. His head dipped once, then again.

Finally, it settled lightly on her shoulder.

For the smallest moment, her body stiffened.

She didn't push him away. She lifted a hand and stroked his hair.

I turned away, my throat tight.

As soon as I went inside, my phone buzzed.

Caleb had messaged me.

"Audrey's taking me to the amusement park tomorrow! Do you think she..."