“I was still in the hospital.

They said there had been complications.

Your father handled the arrangements.

I never saw him afterward.”

“What did you name him?”

“I wanted to call him Noah.”

Wyatt looked at Austin’s printed name.

“His mom calls him Austin.”

I nodded, unable to say another word.

“You knew I had a brother and never told me.”

“Yes.” My voice was small.

“I thought keeping that grief from you would protect you.

I was wrong.”

He stood and paced to the back door.