Maybe I should stay closer.
Maybe going away would prove I had chosen ambition over family.
Ethan corrected that idea while helping me carry boxes to the car.
“You know you still have to go, right?”
I looked at him.
“What?”
“You keep acting weird.”
“I’m not acting weird.”
“You cleaned my bathroom yesterday.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You don’t clean my bathroom.”
“I was being helpful.”
“You were being guilty.”
I stared at him.
He pointed at the wooden compass, which I’d packed in my backpack.
“I didn’t make that so you’d stay home.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
That question again.
I sighed.
“I think so.”
He shook his head.
“Coming back only matters if you go somewhere first.”
I stood in the driveway staring at my little brother.
Then I hugged him.
He tolerated it for about three seconds.
“Okay.”
I held on.
“Claire.”
“Fine.”
He stepped away.
“Bring me a Georgetown sweatshirt.”
