But now, everything had changed, and it’d happened without him even realizing it as one day became two and one month became three as he learned to live without his brother while figuring out who and what he was now that his entire immediate family was gone.
The thought of going back to that quiet existence didn’t appeal to him the way it would have before Billy went missing. When he used to come out to the island to visit Billy a few times a year, he usually couldn’t wait to get back to reality. He’d eagerly board the ferry and leave the tiny island behind without much of a thought for the place he’d once called home, except for daily text exchanges and weekly calls with Billy.
“Morgan.”
He looked up at Terry, realizing he’d been talking to him.
“Sorry. What’s up?”
“Are you okay? You were really spaced out for a minute there.”
Morgan blinked his surroundings into focus, wondering how much time had gone by while he contemplated the dueling narrative running through his mind. “Yeah, I’m good. What’s up?”
“I was just going to ask if you mind if I take an early lunch.”
“No, go on ahead. I’ll cover the desk.”
“Thanks, man. Can I bring you back a sandwich? It’s my turn to buy.”
“Sure. Surprise me.”
“Will do.”
Morgan went to the desk to cover for Terry while he was gone. Terry and the other employees had hung a framed photo of Billy on the wall. He stopped to stare at his brother’s handsome, smiling face, wondering what he’d tell Morgan to do if he were still there. Although, if Billy were there, Morgan would get on the ferry and go home because he didn’t belong on Gansett anymore.
But that was no longer true, and Devin’s text had been a reminder that the island interlude in his childhood hometown would end eventually.
Or would it?
He’d never been more confused.
In the meantime, he responded to Dev. Hey, man, thanks for your note, and congrats on the big new contract. That’s awesome. I’d love nothing more than to tell you I’ve worked everything out here and can head home, but that’s not the case. I need a little more time. I’d understand if you need to move forward without me.
Morgan tried to think of something else he could say beyond the nonanswer to Dev’s question, but what else was there to say? He sent the message.
Like all things, his return to his job was up in the air.
The state of indecision would normally drive him crazy, but after what he’d been through lately, it would take more than that to send him over the edge.
Dr. Kevin McCarthy came into the gym, smiling the way he always did as he said hello to Morgan. “How’s it going?”
“Not bad, all things considered.”
“You were a million miles away when I came in. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I mean… Some big decisions to make, but nothing I can’t handle.”
“If it gets to be too much, you know where to find me.”
“Thanks, Doc. That’s nice of you to offer.”
“My offer covers everything from formal sessions in the office to a beer with a friend. Whatever you need.”
“Thank you.”
“You got it.”
As Kevin headed for the locker room to change, Morgan was reminded once again of the community that’d surrounded him since he’d come home to look for Billy. People he’d known all his life and those he’d never met had propped him up in so many different ways that it would take the rest of his life to process the outpouring.
