Sprinklers
One minute Don, Charlie and Alan are sitting in the backyard accompanied by Larry and Amita. Having the best time. Laughing, smiling, joking, unwinding. Enjoying each other's company.
The next thing they know the sprinklers go off and everything is a blur.
Amita is the first to leave, shrieking and giggling, quickly followed by Larry and Alan, both cursing their bad luck.
Charlie and Don stand in the backyard, smiling and drenched.
It was something as simple as sprinklers that brought these brothers together all those years ago. Though they had always been family, for the better or worse, the moment Charlie realized what he could do with math was the moment they both, truly became brothers.
Sincerity shines through Don's eyes as their corners crinkle in the most charming way.
Charlie's smile is equally bright. He runs his hand through his curls which are now completely soaked.
And in that moment everything that has gone wrong — Margaret's death, Charlie's breakdown, all the fighting, Charlie losing his clearance and Don's stabbing — and all the pain they have brought melts away and nothing exists but the two brothers standing in the makeshift rain. Two brothers who have become best friends.
Don puts his hand around Charlie's shoulder and shakes him playfully as they walk back towards the house, wet and cold but both finding the peace that had been gone for so long.
And this is all thanks to the sprinklers.