Page 35 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

He swallowed, staring ahead. “Thirteen years… Been alone ever since,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Until he came along…”

“Who?” she asked, a little more careful now.

“Your brother.”

“Ody?” She blinked, thrown. “What do you mean?”

Mano exhaled, his gaze still unfocused. “He made me feel… less alone.” He paused, like he was trying to find the right words. “Like… someone actually gives a damn.”

Anastasia let out a small, uncertain laugh. “Ody? Really? I ask him for a glass of water and he’s like, ‘get it yourself.’”

Mano remained quiet.

Her smile lingered, then faded when he didn’t even look at her. Silence settled again.

“But now…” he said.

Her eyes stayed on him. “Now what?”

Mano turned his head, his eyes meeting hers. For a moment, it looked like he might say it, but then he stopped. Something in his expression closed off. He looked away, pushing himself up from the couch. Without another word, he walked to the bedroom, lay down, and pulled the covers over himself.

Two hours later, Ody came home to a quiet apartment. His sister was out with friends, his mom at work. He glanced into the living room on his way in, but Mano wasn’t there, so he walked to the bedroom and pushed the door open. Mano was lying on his side, phone in hand, the screen lighting up his face. “I’m back.”

Mano didn’t move.

Ody lingered by the door, then pulled off his jeans and changed into sweats, his gaze drifting back to him more than once. “I’m gonna make something to eat,” he said. “You want anything?”

Mano didn’t even look up.

Ody paused, watching him. “…Mano.”

Still nothing. Ody stepped closer, crouching to get into his line of sight. “I’m cooking. Are you hungry?”

A second later, Mano’s stomach growled.

Ody’s brows pulled together. “You haven’t eaten?” he asked but got no answer. “Hey.” He nudged his shoulder. “Did you eat or not?”

“No. Leave me alone.”

Ody stilled. “Why?”

Mano’s thumb slowed, then stopped. He dropped the phone onto the bed and finally looked at him. “Why do you care?”

Ody stared at him. “I’ll make something,” he said. “Come eat.” He turned before Mano could answer and walked out.

Time passed, but Ody didn’t come back. Mano pushed himself up and stepped out into the living room. Ody was on the couch, laptop open, headphones on, eyes fixed on the screen.

Mano stopped there, just watching him. “Ody?”

He didn’t look up. Mano stayed where he was, gaze lingering on him. He took a step closer. “Ody.”

Ody shifted, like he’d sensed something. He glanced up, pulling one ear free of his headphones. “What is it?”

“Why are you doing this to me?”

Ody frowned, setting the laptop aside as he pulled off his headphones. “What?”

“You’re completely indifferent,” Mano said, his jaw clenching. “What, you done with me already?”