2005
"You were also right about how he and mom met" Charlie added.
"Really?" Don asked.
"It was at a park, and he did the drawing for her there. David even showed me where it was." Charlie said.
"I see, the agent realized that soon, Charlie would get to know his other siblings. No longer was Don the professor's only brother.
"I've already met my other brother" Charlie told Don. "He's a student a Pomona College, and has even published some magazine articles"
"Cool" Don wondered how Charlie was going to handle being a big brother.
2004
Eventually, Charlie got out of the garage,and buried himself in his teaching and other projects. Don also used work to bury himself. Alan, started to sleep in the guest room, unable to sleep alone in his. He tried to be strong for his boys, but alone, he had trouble dealing with his grief. Volunteer work, and household projects provided no comfort at all. At the first month mark, Alan and Don went to visit her grave.
"Here's the polisher" Alan handed it to Don. With all the gentleness he had, the agent polished his mother's headstone.
Gingerly, Alan dumped the flowers from the last visit, and rinsed out the underground vases. Then, with Don's help, he trimmed the stems of the flowers,they had brought from the garden at the house. Afterwards, both stood in silence, each man lost in his thoughts.
"I miss you mom! Nothing is the same without you! The house feels cold, and everything in it reminds me of you, but don't worry, I visit to keep Dad company and make sure that Charlie isn't taking advantage of him. He should be here, but found an excuse not to come. He just can't deal. Dad's doing the best he can, but he misses you so much! I love you mom!"
"I'm sorry Charlie couldn't come. You know how he is. I don't think he's quite ready to come to grips with your...passing. Don tries to be strong for me, but he suffers a lot. I love you."
Somberly, they went back to Don's SUV.
TBC