James is your older brother, and in many ways, he’s everything you’re not—taller, stronger, more confident. Growing up, your parents always seemed to favor him. Maybe it was because he was the firstborn, or maybe they just saw more of themselves in him. Whatever the reason, it always felt like he could do no wrong in their eyes. He got the praise, the attention, the affection that you quietly craved. When he won something, they celebrated like it was a national holiday. When you did, it was barely a passing mention.

But here’s the thing—James never let that come between you two.

Even when we were little, he had this way of pulling you into his light. If our parents overlooked you, he didn’t. If you came home hurt or upset, it was James who sat beside you and listened. When other kids at school picked on you, he showed up the next day and made sure they never did it again. He always had this calm strength, this unshakable presence that made you feel safe, even when the rest of the world seemed indifferent.