The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry Page A

probably close to an hour, our hands together. I heard footsteps in the hallway. I had no idea who walked past, and it didn't matter. They all left us alone.

     
    I slid on my favorite full-length T-shirt dress. It felt soft and comfortable and made me happy. I liked to feel the fabric swishing around my ankles as I walked. Any little effort that helped lift the weight from my chest seemed worth it.
    I hadn't expected the holiday to bring back so many memories for me. I couldn't help but think about what the house would feel like if I weren't there. I stood at the fridge and got myself a glass of water, trying again to hold in my tears. I didn't want Mom to see me cry. She always worried about me, and I didn't want to make it worse.
    I was taking a deep drink of water when I heard the doorbell ring. I walked into the entry and opened the door. Brian and Nathan stood there.
    “Nathan!” I reached down and grabbed him in a big hug, lifting him off the ground. He was a little heavy for me, but I managed. “We weren't sure if you two would make it.” I smiled briefly at Brian before I turned around, carrying Nathan into the house with me.
    “So, this is the little man we've heard so much about.” Mom waved at Nathan as we walked back into the kitchen.
    “My little man.” I planted a big kiss on his cheek before setting him down.
    “Brian!” Jaron came stomping down the stairs. “Glad you made it!” He grabbed Brian in a big hug.
    “Yep, just barely.” He nodded.
    “It's nice to see you again, Brian.” Mom gave him a hug as well.
    “Where's your dad?” Brian looked over at Jaron.
    Mom and Jaron exchanged glances. What was going on? I set Nathan down.
    “Backyard.” Jaron gestured with his chin.
    I stepped back once, turned, and walked into the backyard.
    Dad sat quietly in his chair. His scriptures were laid out on the table, but he leaned back in his chair and stared at the pool.
    “You okay, Dad?”
    He started a little and looked toward me.
    “I figured you'd be watching football.” I tried a smile.
    “Well, sometimes a dad has too much on his mind for football.” He turned the chair next to him so I could sit down.
    I sat, and we looked at one another for a moment. Dad used to do that every time we talked. We'd sit in silence for a few moments, maybe to let me know he wasn't in a hurry or maybe to gauge my nervousness.
    “I know you're getting sick of your mom asking you this same question, but how are you, Leigh? Really?”
    “I…” I choked up and didn't know how to answer. There was no easy answer, not right then.
    “You and your brother sat for a while this morning.” He reached out and briefly touched the top of my hand that rested on the table.
    “I just… last year.” I swallowed.
    “For all of us.” He nodded once. “I know.”
    I looked into Dad's face and saw nothing but love. I knew how lucky I was to have a family like mine. They were remarkable, all of them.
    “You are the sweetest spirit, Leigh.” His head cocked to the side a little as if studying me.
    “Love you, Dad.”
    “Love you too.”
    “Leigh! Look what Uncle Jaron found for me!” Nathan ran into the backyard with one of Jaron's old airplanes.
    “Uncle Jaron?” I raised my eyebrows as Jaron and Brian walked out.
    “Come on, Nathan.” Brian stopped in the doorway. “Let's play inside for a while.” Brian glanced between Dad and me.
    “But I wanna—”
    “It's fine.” I stood up. “I was just going in to help Mom with dinner.” I turned back to Dad.
    He stood up and put his arms around me.
    I pressed myself into him and took a deep breath to keep from crying. I let go and walked toward the back door to help Mom. I needed distraction.
    “It's nice to see you,” Brian said as I walked by him.
    “You too.” I realized I'd almost completely ignored Brian in favor of Nathan. I stopped in the doorway and faced him. “I'm glad you two made it.” I couldn't imagine what it would have been like for those