“That you and your sister were estranged. That your sister put you in the hospital, she went to prison, she was out after two years, and she was looking to make amends. I reacted badly to the way the situation was being manipulated, like she used to try to direct the Brigade. Telling my kids what to do, dancing around something that sounded serious. It made it abundantly clear that my worst fears came true. No divides where we needed them.”

“No details?”

“Should I have details?” he asked.

I hesitated.

I shook my head. “Just don’t go to her for healing. Don’t take your kids to her for healing. Take that from one of the people who knows her best.”

“Okay,” my Uncle Mike said.

“Okay,” I echoed him.

“But,” he said. “Unless you’re about to tell me I should keep my distance from you too—”

I shook my head.

“Any walls? Any defense mechanisms I need to watch out for?” he asked.

He sounded like he was teasing.

I could one hundred percent believe he was still holding on to his own. That it was a genuine belief and a genuine worry on his part.

“No,” I said. “I don’t think I have any.”

“Or you haven’t figured out what they are yet,” he told me.

“Or that.”

He sighed. “I wanted to say… I know it’s not a good comparison, but I was sent away for four years, only seeing my family for holidays. I don’t know if the hospital stay was anything like that, but I could offer a listening ear. I think I understand my sister, and even my old friend. I could answer questions or help you figure things out, if Crystal’s not up to it.”

I sighed.

“Or not. When we get through this mess with the Titans, if you wanted a bit of normal and you don’t mind going out to fast food with your two kid cousins, I could try giving you a taste of what’s ninety-eight percent ordinary civilian life.”

I don’t think we’re getting through this. I think this might be the new normal.

I can’t imagine a reality where I can draw a clear line between cape and civilian anymore. If I ever could.

Isn’t that right, my fragile, many-handed friend? It would be risky, like we might pull apart. I could lose my control and you could lose your connection to me.

“Thank you,” I said, with a small smile and zero sincerity.

“Ah, you’re your father’s child too, aren’t you?” he asked, looking into my eyes.

“I have no idea what you mean,” I said, keeping my expression blank as I thought of the uncomfortable memory of my mom with Uncle Neil. My mom crying after I confronted her.

He reached out, and I was bewildered enough in the moment that I didn’t react before he pulled me into a hug.

He might have sensed how tense I was, because he did pull away.