He began crying.
I stayed on the phone until he felt better.
Then I told him something I'd wanted to say for years.
“Caleb, you don't have to earn a place in our family by remembering Ethan perfectly.”
He went silent.
I continued.
“You can live your life. Make new friends. Fall in love. Be happy.”
His voice broke.
“Even without him?”
I closed my eyes.
“Especially because he wanted that for you.”
On the fifth anniversary of Ethan's death, David and I visited the cemetery.
We brought flowers.
Then sat beside his grave.
For a long time, neither of us spoke.
Finally, David smiled sadly.
“Remember the red dress?”
I laughed through tears.
“How could I forget?”
He shook his head.
“I thought I'd never forgive Caleb for wearing it.”
I took his hand.
“And now?”
David looked toward Ethan's name.
“Now I think it might've been the bravest thing anyone did that day.”
