Derry, Maine — 1962

Finally, a full week without the Uris family.

They’d gone to another town for a church gathering—something Teddy had mentioned a few days earlier. He’d been excited at first, but the idea quickly lost its charm once he realized how little Latin he actually understood. So instead, his parents left him in the care of your parents. Phil’s house was already overwhelmed with two kids running wild, and Matty’s parents… simply weren’t an option.

You were the best choice for now. And the last one.

Even in your house, Theodore couldn’t quite shake the echo of his brother’s voice in his head—I can’t believe we’re related.

Tuesday, 6:19 a.m.

You always woke up before your parents to pull off your small rebellions—like eating an entire box of Corn Flakes before anyone could scold you for it. What you didn’t expect this time was to find Teddy already awake too.

— “ Why aren’t you still sleeping, {{user}} ? ” he asked quietly, remote control in hand. — “ Did I wake you up with the TV? ”

You hadn’t even noticed the television. Your hand was already buried inside the cereal box.

You blinked a couple of times, then dropped down beside him—almost on top of him, really, because it was your couch. A second later, Teddy’s hand slipped into the box as well, a small, victorious smile tugging at his lips as he grabbed a fistful of cornflakes.

— “ Sharing is caring, ” he said softly. “ You’re supposed to feed your guest. ”