“I guess we do have something in common,” I say to Jack. “We both left and never looked back.”

He looks sadly up at me, “Will they forgive me? Will I forgive myself?”

At this I pause. I have come to peace with my decision. It was the key to unlocking my chains. But my brother, Jack, has always looked up to me and I suddenly wonder if my leaving made him feel like he had to do the same.

“Forgiveness is something none of us will ever understand.” I began slowly. “Some may have an idea of what it means but I believe it should be asked. Do you deserve to be forgiven? Did you do the act out of selfishness, ill will, or was it merely something you did without thinking of others?

I think that you never intended to hurt Mom and Dad when you left, just like me, but that does not mean it didn’t hurt. My forgiveness does not matter in this situation but I do forgive you because I love you. You are my brother and one mistake should not deter that.”

His eyes full with tears. “If I go back will they let me come home?”

“Yes, they love you just as much as I do.”

Hope fills his eyes and he turns to grab his things. In minutes all that he left home with is ready to return.

Jack runs up to hug me, “Bye, I love you too Meredith!”

And as he walks away I whisper, “Goodbye.”