Stepbrother Dearest

by Penelope Ward

If she makes you happy, I’m happy for you. You told me she was the best thing that ever happened to you. That’s great.” “I didn’t say that,” he said curtly. “Yes, you did.” “I said she was one of the best things. So were you. Just in another time.”

“You were the best thing that ever happened to me. I hope someday I can say you were one of the best, but for now, it’s only you.”

Through death there was life. Through hate there was love. I looked down at my son. “In the end, there was you, and that made it all worth it.”