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“You’re not dad.” He said. “And don’t touch my jacket.”

“As if you ever listen to him.”

I gripped his arm to yank it off. He fell back into the wall with a hiss. I removed his jacket. What’s he hiding? My eyes drifted to his arm.

“What’s on your arm?” I asked before I could register.

It would have been best to keep my mouth shut. Asher looked down at his arm, realizing that his fresh tattoo was visible. Mom’s eyes widened as she stood up from the table.

“Asher,” she gasped, getting a closer look. “When did you do this?”

“After detention.” He said, before slapping his forehead with a sigh.

“Why were you in detention?” Mom’s yell pierced my eardrum.

“You’re digging an even bigger hole for yourself.” Gracie said, before shoving a forkful of mashed potatoes in her mouth.

“I just wanted a tattoo, okay?”

I looked at his forearm as a tapestry of ink unfolded under the transparent seal. A sprawling tree, its roots twisting and turning, reached up his arm. The branches spread out like veins, surrounding themselves with letters. I leaned in for a closer inspection. James.

“Asher -”

“Don’t start with me, Josh.”

Mom noticed the name too, freezing in her spot as she tried to process the revelation of his tattoo.

“I’m going to my room.” Asher said, leaving the storm of emotions behind.

??

The pale glow of twilight bathed the porch. I stood at the railing, my gaze fixed on the distant horizon as I gathered my jumbled thoughts. Had I been so absorbed in my own issues that I never realized Asher was still struggling with the events of last summer?

“Mind if I join you?” Sawyer asked, her presence a welcoming interruption to the silence.

I looked at her over my shoulder, a faint smile touched my lips at the sight of her.

“Always.”

She stood beside me, her warmth a comforting presence in the bracing evening air. I could feel her gaze on me, as if she was trying to read my thoughts.

“What’s on your mind?”

I hesitated for a moment, grappling with the words.

“Just life, I guess.”

She reached out to take my hand in hers, as a silent gesture of support.

“You know I’m always here for you, right?”

My heart swelled with emotion as my gaze softened. She always made my heart soar. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. The words escaped my tongue before I could stop them.

“I love you.”

Her breath caught in her throat at my confession. Time stood still as she processed my words. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I braced myself for the rejection, fearing I’d gotten ahead of myself.

“I’m sorry-”