Without thought, without words, I turned my head to look at my brother. He had turned back to the television, I could see the light from the screen twinkling in his eye. I reach my hand across his body and felt my fingers against his cheek. He jumped slightly, but I put gentle pressure against his chin, and he turned to look at me. I saw his strange features then, and a wave of emotions washed over me. Guilt again, and sympathy, and love. If I had any inkling of backing out before, it died now.

I closed my eyes and tilted my head to the side. My brother's neck...