Dylan’s world shatters after his brother’s death. Haunted by regret and the memory of his brother’s last words to him, Dylan steps up to care for his nephew, Kyle. But when Kyle reveals an envelope from his dad, Dylan’s past and future collide in unexpected ways.
The cemetery gates loomed ahead as Dylan guided his car down the winding path, stealing glances at Kyle in the passenger seat.
His ten-year-old nephew sat quietly, his small hands folded in his lap, staring straight ahead. The fall wind scattered red and gold leaves across the windshield, nature’s tribute to the solemn occasion.
The silence between them felt heavy with everything left unsaid.
Dylan couldn’t escape the echo of his brother Ethan’s last words, as sharp and cutting as they had been a little over a year ago.
“Brother, you were never interested in family values. You only love yourself.” Ethan’s voice, weak from illness, carried the weight of years of disappointment.
“You didn’t support me even when my wife left me and my son!” Ethan had added. “You will never change. But I’m asking you anyway to please visit Kyle in the orphanage after this illness takes me. It’s the least you can do.”
Ethan had been right, of course. Dylan had been selfish, too wrapped up in his own life to notice how much his brother needed him.
