A Memory Away. Melinda Curtis

was the promise of a special gift to her: family.

      He hoped he hadn’t misspoken. He hoped his mother would be excited about the news.

      “I’m taking this pillow from the bed for me,” Duffy said carefully. “Don’t get any ideas.”

      She blinked at him. But it wasn’t the I’m-remembering-something dazed look he’d seen her get every once in a while. Jess stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. As Duffy, not Greg’s mirror image.

      That look registered something deep inside him, something that warmed and eased, something he’d kept locked away and refused to name. A feeling he immediately dismissed.

      Because Duffy had sworn off taking on any more responsibility, be it community, friends or family.