I glanced down at the bracelet encircling my wrist, as if drawing strength from its delicate clasp. Taking a measured breath, I spoke softly but with steady resolve.

"Uncle Matt... I don't like seeing you with Ms. Romano. So... could you not get engaged to her?"

Matthew froze mid-motion. In his eyes, a flicker of something—an ember of feeling—ignited briefly, then was quickly snuffed out.

He must have felt it, too: the sheer courage it took for me ...