Hearing Nathan's response, my cousin beamed. He reached out and gently ruffled Nathan's hair. "I can't help you with that," he said, "but with your smarts, you'll get into Newman. I'm sure of it. And when that day comes, I've got a surprise for you. One you'll never forget!"
Nathan smiled politely. "Thank you, Uncle."
As I watched my cousin's face, overflowing with affection and pride, a faint smile tugged at the corners of my lips.
A surprise you'll never forget? Oh, dear cousin, I've been preparing one for you too—one that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Every year on Nathan's birthday, my cousin's enthusiasm eclipsed even Hana's and mine. He would arrive with the most extravagant cakes, the most thoughtful gifts and the brightest smile. Meanwhile, my son—Rowan—faded into the background.
After my cousin broke Rowan's leg, the boy disappeared completely from my sight. Whenever Hana brought up his absence, her voice tinged with concern, my cousin would wave it off with a sneer. "Don't bring up that wretched creature. Just thinking about him makes me angry!"