Emily pulled me into a hug, burying her face into my chest. I looked around to make sure we were alone, which we weren't, and decided a hug would be fine. I hugged my sister back and let out a soft groan as Emily squeezed the life out of me.

"I am so sorry for you, Nick," Emily said, her voice muffled. "I can't even begin to imagine how hard it has been for you."

"It's okay," I said, stroking her wavy hair softly. "It's not like life has been a picnic for you and the others either."

Emily lifted her face out of my chest and looked up at...