Greg shrugged. The doctors a bit surprised hes lasted this long. Thats why they sent him hometo die in peace. So I guess were just waiting. But theres always a chance they got it wrong, right?

Harley felt a stab of guilt at the thought of leaving. I could maybe stay a few more days, see what flights…

Greg moved toward her. Suddenly he was the old Greg again, the confident boy who had all the answers and could chase away Harleys every worry.

He placed both hands on Harleys shoulders and stared into her eyes. You need to go home. You have your own life, far from here. Youre not going to stay here just so you can watch your father die.

Until that moment, Harley had not realized how much she needed to hear those words. She nodded gratefully.

What about you? she said.

Gregs gaze softened. Im the oldest; its my duty to stay. Besides, we end up just playing rummy or watching the news most of the time. Hardly a sacrifice.

Harley hoped this was true. Maybe this was the closure Greg needed: to be there in Dads final moments and make sure he was not alone at the end. Harley was grateful Greg was willing to take the responsibility, because she was not sure she could have.

Call me if anything changes? she said.

I will.

She was about to pull away, but then she paused, remembering an earlier conversation. You know, she said, I get it nowwhy you kept asking me why Id come back. You wanted me to see it for myself.

He waited, watching her solemnly.

When I left all those years ago, she continued, I thought I knew what would make me happy: new job, new man, new city, new house. She paused, moved at the realization of how wrong shed been. But none of that could fill the hole left in me. Only being here could do that.

A tender gleam entered Gregs eyes as he listened to her.

Harley sighed, her voice heavy with emotion. I guess what Im saying is that I didnt come back for DadI came back for myself. This place is part of me. All the time I was running away…I was carrying it with me: you, Dad, even Mom and Kelly. But you can never truly leave those you love, can you?

Greg wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Youll always have a home here, sis. Even if its not your only one.

She nodded, and then she began to shake. The tears rolled down her eyes and soaked into Gregs shirt. She thought of the last time she had cried on his shoulder like this, just after the detectives had told them they could find no sign of Kelly.

When the tears stopped, she straightened and wiped her eyes. I told myself I wasnt going to cry, she said with a little laugh.