“It wasn’t heroic,” he said. “It was instinct.”
“You nearly died,” Marcus replied.
“So did you.”
“But I didn’t.”
Marcus’ voice cracked.
He pulled Lily closer, then looked at me.
“I didn’t because of him.”
My throat closed.
All those nights Lily and I had kissed the photograph and prayed for Marcus to come home, we had unknowingly been looking at the man who made that prayer possible.
I reached for Julian’s hand.
He flinched slightly, as though kindness hurt more than pain.
“Thank you,” I said.
His scarred face twisted.
“Please don’t.”
“I have to.”
He shook his head.
“I couldn’t leave him there. He talked about you both every day. He told me what Lily liked for breakfast. He told me about the time she colored the dog blue with sidewalk chalk. He carried one of her drawings in his vest.”
Marcus gave a weak laugh through his tears.
“She said the dog wanted to be a cloud.”
“I remember,” Julian replied.
Lily touched the scar on his cheek with one careful finger.
“Did it hurt?”
Julian looked at her.
“Yes.”
“Did Daddy help you?”
“He stayed with me.”
Marcus lowered his eyes.
“I thought he was going to die.”
Julian’s voice softened.
“He wouldn’t let me.”
The tension in Lily’s face eased. She leaned against Marcus’ chest but kept one hand on Julian’s sleeve.
“So you’re not Daddy?” she asked.
Julian managed a small smile.
“No.”
“Are you his brother?”
Marcus and Julian looked at each other.
“Something like that,” Marcus answered.
Lily considered this.
“Then you can still come home with us.”
Julian blinked.
I saw the hesitation in him. He looked like a man who had returned physically but had no idea where the rest of him belonged.
“She’s right,” I said. “You shouldn’t be alone today.”
Julian opened his mouth to refuse.
Marcus tightened his grip on his shoulder.
“Don’t make me ask twice.”
A strained laugh passed between them.
