That afternoon when the boys came around the coop after finishing their fence work, they dropped onto the steps up to the deck. I moved over to sit with them and plopped down next to Charlie, close enough to put my shoulder against him, and Jed did the same on his other side. I’d told them about hearing them talking, because I didn’t want them to think I was eavesdropping, although I guess I kind of was, but also because I wanted Charlie to know I was here for him, too. He had nodded when I said he wasn’t alone, but he wouldn’t look at me. I couldn’t imagine how hard this would be, but I admired his courage for stepping back in. And I worried what stepping back into his memories might do to him.
A bit later, when all the chores were done, Jed, Charlie, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, and I headed up
