The day was getting on. Nick stood at an upstairs window watching the dusk roll in. He had no eyes for the glow of the setting sun, only the seeping grey. Slowly, it invaded his soul.
The house was full below him. Laughter and happy voices floated up the stairs as the party grew. Each time the doorbell rang he tensed, and each time he heard another happy voice, another reunion.
A creaky floorboard alerted him to his visitor. "I'm *fine* Frick!"
"Uh huh." The voice wasn't Brian's but it was just as familiar. Probably the only voice he didn't want to hear, because it was the only voice who understood. "Why isn't she coming?" Aaron asked, moving to stand beside him.
"Work," Nick responded with a sigh. The gentle understanding in his little brother's voice lapped at the cold inside him. "They had this huge crisis with some group just before I left."
"God, I'm almost glad you're going," her voice echoed in his head. "You'd barely see me for like, three weeks anyway. Look at this shit!"
"They're worried about you."
"I'll be fine. She's coming Wednesday."
"Why don't you tell them?"
Nick snorted. "Hi guys, the love of my life isn't here tonight, that's why I'm depressed. Nah. They don't need me bringing 'em down. I'll tell 'em tomorrow."
"Yeah, you're the life of the party, bro." It was said without malice, coupled with a brotherly hug Aaron was still young enough to give. It was the gesture more than the words that cheered Nick a little, reminding him that he was loved. He ruffled his brother's hair affectionately.
"What'd you say we split - go have our own party away from the love-in this is gonna be?"
"You're on!" They high-fived each other.
Nick gave one final glimpse out the window before following his brother down the stairs.