On the day before summer break, you drove with the Kavanagh’s to say goodbye to Johnny. He was leaving for the U20’s, for the whole summer.

Johnny was saying goodbye to Sean, the youngest of your brothers. Ever since the Kavanagh’s took you and your siblings in, Sean got attached to Johnny.

“And me say, my ‘Onny there?” Sean smiled as Johnny was crouched down in front of him.

“That’s right.” Johnny chuckled, giving Sean one last cuddle before he stood back up and shouldered his carry-on bag.

“I’ll see you really soon.”

“Come on boys,” Johnny’s mam sniffled, shepherding the Lynchs like they were baby sheep’s. “John’s gonna buy you something from the toy store.”

“Score!” Tadhg and Ollie hooted as they raced to the shop, the Kavanagh’s and Sean following behind as you stood there with tears in your eyes.

Johnny’s face softened and he let out a ragged breath.

“Yeah, I’m gonna need you to not do that,” Johnny choked out.

“Or, I’m walking right out of here and back home with you.”

“I’m sorry,” With tears streaming down your cheeks, you hiccuped a small sob and walked straight into his arms.

“I—It’s just—“

“I know,” Johnny whispered, dropping his bag off his shoulder to wrap you up in his arms. Burying his face in your neck, Johnny inhaled your scent as he desperately tried to keep his shit together.

“Me too.”