"Your brother says if you want a unit, just come back and take your pick."
I stared at the screen, thinking about how my two brothers had let me have first choice of everything for as long as I could remember. The best snacks. The best toys. Even later, when it came time for college, the laptop that was supposed to go to Derek went to me instead.
And now, with the demolition, they were doing it all over again.
I typed my reply.
"Mom, we don't want anything."
Her response came almost instantly.
"Absolutely not. You and Clement aren't exactly rolling in money either."
"Tell you what — I'll set the money aside for you. Whenever you need it, just say the word and I'll send it over."
I'd known she would say that.
There was no way to refuse, so I sent back a simple "Okay."
Mom followed up with another message right away.
[By the way, when are you and Clement coming home for dinner?]
[How about the day after tomorrow? Your brothers are both coming back from out of town.]
[It's been so long since we've all gotten together.]
She was right. Before I knew it, nearly half a year had passed since our last visit.
I was about to say yes when Clement pushed the door open and walked in.