Part 2: My aunt wanted to adopt my little sister after our parents d*ed just to get her hands on the money — she had no idea I had one more card to play.

Protecting someone does not require destroying yourself.

I closed my eyes.

Live, Michael.

Go to college.

Fall in love.

Travel somewhere ridiculous.

Make mistakes.

Buy furniture that doesn’t match.

Complain about taxes.

Burn dinner.

Have a boring Wednesday.

I laughed through tears.

Take care of your sister.

And let her take care of you sometimes too.

Vicky peered at the letter.

“I can do that.”

“I know.”

The final paragraph was shorter.

Family isn’t decided by blood.

It isn’t decided by paperwork.

And it certainly isn’t decided by money.

Family is who stays.

Love, Mom.

I lowered the letter.

For a long time, the house was quiet.

Then Vicky asked:

“Are you crying?”

“No.”

“Your face is wet.”

“It’s humid.”

“Inside?”

“Very localized weather.”

She rolled her eyes.

Then she hugged me.

I held her.

Outside, sunlight moved through the maple leaves.

Somewhere down the street, a lawn mower started.