Your family is about to tab your brother out. He’s been in military for the past months and it’s finally time to see him again.You and your family stand in the crowded place of family members tapping out their love ones.

“Isn’t that Ryan?” Your mom points in his direction.Your parents are friends with his parents, so your mom spotted Ryan quicker than You did.

“Yep”You said fast,not paying attention to him longer than you have. After a short while you find your brother and your father taps him out. Your brother gives everyone hugs and you all talk together.

You look around, seeing Ryan still standing in the same spot he did before, alone. Mom whispers in your ear “You should go tap him out. His parents said they were gonna be here, but I think something came up”

You look at her, then back at Ryan. You take a deep breath and walk over to him.He’s looking straight, as he’s supposed to.

You stand before him and you raise your hand to tap him out by his shoulder. When you do, he slowly looks down at you. A hint of sadness in his eyes.

“They didn’t show up” Ryan says quietly. You look up at his eyes and he blinks away tears.

Ryan is hesitant before he asks “Can I hug you?” You nod.

His hug is firm yet so gentle “Are you proud of me?” He whispers.