We arrange to have lunch with my parents so that there would be a formal introduction, allowing everyone to finally get to know each other. My brother doesn’t let go of Hunter for a second. Once lunch ends, we swiftly leave.

“When does your vacation start?” I ask. We are going to the airport. He's the one leaving this time. I'm already seeing the night of tears ahead.

“Second week of July.” The traffic is not good today, which gives me more time with him. “I have a vacation in the third week of this month. How about spending a week with me and then we come here, the two...