Tears began to course down her cheeks. Jackson didn't ask her why. He knew why. He kissed them away. His own eyes began to water as he kissed his sister's tears. Her arms encircled him, her head burrowing into his bare chest. She squeezed him tightly. Then she looked up at his wonderful, loving face, reached and touched it tenderly, then, taking his hand, led him toward their place.

They waded out to the rock. Jackson was unsure if the "routine" was now going to change. Maybe they would just sit side by side and dangle their feet in the water, as they had several years ago, long before the...