My brother stretched a thick industrial rubber band and snapped-felicia

“Put that thing down.”

He laughed.

“You’re overreacting.”

I turned toward Ethan.

“Sweetheart, come here.”

He didn’t move.

His hands remained pressed against his sides, and he kept blinking as though trying to clear his vision.

“Ethan,” I said softly, “it’s Aunt Rachel. You’re coming with me.”

He took one uncertain step.

Then another.