Page 38 of Together Again

“He’s the best, and he’s so smart, sometimes I’m not even sure he’s my brother.” Bruno chuckled, but then became more forlorn.

“He’s afraid someone will take himaway. He wanted to know if you’re my friend.”

“The center will help you with anything we can, Bruno.” I got up and gave him a reassuring hug. We both knew there were no guarantees, but I’d do my damned best to make sure Filipe would stay with his brother.

As I left the apartment, I couldn’t help reflecting on how brave Bruno was. Willing to go up against his grandparents, even if he only had a small chance of keeping his brother with him, because the thought of Filipe going back to them was unimaginable.

My phone rang as I got in the car.

“Hey, David, how’s it going?”

“Hi, Isaac.”

There was a short silence on the other side.

“David?”

“Er… sorry. Isaac, I’ve been thinking… I need your help.”

“What for?”

“I need you to keep this strictly confidential because I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I was wondering if you’d help me find Uncle Mário’s brother, Vítor. There’s no rush or anything, but… well, it can wait until I’m back in November. I just wanted to ask, that’s all.”

I was left speechless for the second time that afternoon. First Bruno wanting to fight for Filipe, and now my best friend wanting to find his uncle’s long-lost brother.

“Are you sure you want to do this? You know we may not find him.”

“Yes, I want to do it for my uncle. He talks about Vítor all the time now that it’s not a secret anymore. He still feels guilty over him disappearing twenty-seven years ago.”

“Is that the only reason?”

“…No. According to my uncle, Vítor is the only person who might know who my dad is. I know what you’re going to say, but Isaac, if there’s a chance I can find any information at all, then I want to try.”

“Oh, David.” I couldn’t believe how far my best friend had come. “I’ll do anything I can to help.”