We’re a few feet away when I pause, a realization dawning on me. We were yards away when Jude addressed Angus, too far away for him to lip read. Our first encounter flashes before me, and I remember how terrified he was. I thought it was because he was getting bullied and because I inadvertently mentioned Rose, but I now know that’s not the case at all.
Angus was indeed scared because of the bullies, but not because he wasn’t brave. It was because those bullies were ghosts—ghosts he could hear. “He’s not deaf, is he?” I ask, almost in a state of tears.
“No, he’s not.” I don’t press any further because Angus waves me over, gesturing I’m to take over as kite captain.
“Hey, little wombat,” I sign, not wanting anything between us to change.
His dimpled grin melts my heart. “I missed you,”
