"I thought that if I acted like it didn't matter..." Eugene gradually trailed off as he lowered his gaze to the ground, only to continue almost-inaudibly, "then it wouldn't."

Ebony's breath hitched in surprise. Her eyes brimming with tears as she reached out to him, pulling him to her to rest the nineteen year old's head on her shoulder. "Of course it matters," she sobbed, "you're my little brother."


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Eugene Ellis frequently...