As if fate or the universe itself had heard my thoughts, I suddenly noticed a familiar face standing at the far side of the park. Vale. My half-brother. He leaned against a tree with his arms crossed while watching the boys play basketball. I had not seen him since coming back home. He looked different now. Older, obviously, but also tired and worn down. Like life had not treated him kindly after I left town.
Vale turned his head, saw me looking at him, and lifted his chin slightly in greeting.
Taking it as an invitation, I stood up and walked over to him.
“Vale,” I said once I got close enough. “It’s been a long time.”
“Yep,” he grunted while keeping his eyes on the game. A few seconds later, he nodded toward the court where Kael was making a three-point shot. “Looks like the family g
