Darius woke up to heat and loud cicadas. He did not complain.

He preferred the summer symphony to the city cacophony.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” he asked, turning to look at Asher. The summer morning reminded him of the many they spent there when they were children.

Time and life had been merciful then.

“In the forest?” Asher asked, putting down his book.

He did not wait for an answer. He followed his brother outside.

They walked for a quiet moment. The breeze filled the silence.

“I missed this,” Asher smiled, glancing at his brother.

“Me too,” Asher returned the smile, although discreet. He nudged Asher’s...