Was I supposed to feel shame? Was I supposed to try to explain? But explain what exactly? That I just made my step-brother come and vice versa? Wasn't it better to leave it unexplained? Just leave it floating in the air, thick and suffocating? 

Axel still hadn't noticed Mom. He was still lost in whatever cloud he was in, his eyes still hazy. But then Mom shifted, just slightly, barely even noticeable and Axel was immediately on his feet, facing Mom, his body tensed. But when he saw who it ...