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“Let’s go to the corner store and get some Snoopy ice cream bars,” he said excitedly, pulling me along.
After putting on my shoes, Mom gives us money for the ice cream as we run toward the front door.
“Make sure you come right back home,” Mom yelled as we ran out of the house.
“Okay, Mom!” Jo and I say at the same time.
After we bought the ice cream bars, we walked back home and sat on the porch.
We sat silently, watching the heavy traffic whiz by while enjoying our favorite summer treat.
“Hey, Sade?” Jo asked.
“Yeah, Jo?” I took a bite of Snoopy’s ear.
“Why did you replace me with Donnie?”
I glance over at Jo, who was staring at the ground while kicking a few rocks.
“What do you mean? I didn’t replace you.”
He looks up at me with sadness in his eyes.
“Jo, what’s wrong?” I slid closer to him, taking a bite of Snoopy’s other ear.
“You were always playing with him and Asher. I thought…maybe you didn’t need me anymore.”
“You’re my brother. I will always need you. Besides, you’re always out playing basketball with your friends so Doni and Ash would play with me.” I shrugged, finishing the rest of Snoopy.
“I don’t mean to leave you alone. I just hate it when Dad’s home and you’re not around.”
“I know, I hate it too,” I said quietly, trying not to cry.
“I’m sorry, Sade, for always leaving you alone, but I’ll be home more…for you.”
“You promise?” I whispered.
“Yeah, sis. I promise to always be there for you.”
* * *
PRESENT- SADIE
My eyes fly open, and reality crashes down on me.
Jo’s gone.
He’s never coming back.
He left me.
He broke his promise.
All the memories return, but Josiah never will.
An involuntary whimper escapes my lips.
Since I found out Josiah died, my body went into shock. I couldn’t feel anything. Josiah’s death left a gaping hole in my heart.
