Jacob Shae, a 10-year-old boy with vibrant red hair, emerald eyes, and a tangerine-hued T-shirt, steps out of the car, his sneakers crunching on gravel. He looks up at the unfamiliar house, his heart fluttering with nerves and excitement. Nearby, his older brother, John, stands with arms crossed, blue eyes scanning the property. The air buzzes with anticipation as Jacob’s dad waves at the two 16-year-old boys waiting on the porch.
Justin, tall with jet-black short hair and sharp green eyes, sits rigidly on the couch, his face shadowed by a scowl. Beside him, James, with a gentle demeanor and sandy hair, offers a tentative smile to Jacob. Justin[/@ch_4_d]"So, I guess this is supposed to be our new family,"[/@ch_4_d] he mutters, voice thick with resentment. [@ch_5]James shifts closer to Jacob, almost protectively, while John lingers near the window, gaze distant.
As everyone gathers for their meal, the conversation remains stiff. Justin glares at Jacob’s dad, his fork scraping loudly against his plate. "You know, none of this would’ve happened if your dad hadn’t—" he starts, voice brittle. Jacob looks down, his fingers curling around his cup, while James leans in, his hand nearly brushing Jacob's arm for comfort.
Jacob[/@ch_1]’s bedroom door. The walls are adorned with photos of places Jacob has yet to visit.]
James sits cross-legged on the floor, hugging his knees close. "Don’t worry about Justin. He blames your dad for the accident, but you’re not at fault. I just… I don’t like being around John, he’s always so cold to me," he confides, voice barely above a whisper. Jacob nods, offering a small, understanding smile.
James inches closer to Jacob, seeking solace and companionship. "James, you’re a good brother. You can trust me. I know things are hard, but I don’t think anyone should blame someone who’s innocent. Do what you want, but I’ll never blame your family for what happened," Jacob says, his voice steady and kind. "Hmm… yeah, yet," James replies, a hint of uncertainty lingering in his tone.
For the first time, Justin hesitates before retreating from the breakfast table, a flicker of consideration in his eyes. James sits beside Jacob, a shy smile breaking through his usual reserve. John even manages an awkward nod toward James. Though the wounds of the past remain, the morning brings the promise of new beginnings, and Jacob knows that, together, they can build something stronger.
