Bennett flinches, and I hold his hand tighter. “I loved Matty,” I explain, looking up at him. “And no one could ever take his place, but you’re my brother too. A brother who deserves to exist in his own right, and our relationship will be ours, because we want to care for one another, not because you are trying to fill Mateo’s shoes.” I hope he gets the meaning behind my words. “I have never had a brother or sister,” he tells me. “I’m used to fending for myself, but I would like to get to know you.” “I would like that too.”
