Justin woke Brooke at ten giving the girl a chance to rest. It was odd, she thought, how he could follow a voice anywhere and memorize paths in a house or room, yet be entirely, well, blind to facial expressions and gestures. One couldn't simply nod in response, but if they felt the least bit lonely or angry or even regretful, he could tell it in the tone of their voice.
Brooke bathed and scuttled into the closet to change, despite her roommate's handicap. She bashfully arrived to the small dining table where he had set her place with toast and juice. She felt awfully spoiled.
"Justin, you really didn't have to do all this. I don't deserve such lovely things..."
"You're right." His words surprised her as they were unusually cold. She studied his face which was hard to judge because he had never learned to mimic smiles or frowns from others' faces.
He savored her uncomfortable silence knowingly before adding, "I wish I could have done more."
Brooke exhaled a stale breath in exchange for a newer, more pleasant one. She stood and he cocked his head waiting for the sound of her footsteps. She took only two, towards him, and threw her arms around his shoulders.
"If I had a step brother, I'd wish he were you."
Justin lowered his head with self-disappointment, for a moment, but then returned her embrace.
"I'm glad you think so," he lied.
Reply
