Page 137 of Outcast’s Return

But then...

He pulls out a photo. Not just any photo, though.

It’s one of me and him. Taken years ago.

An entire lifetime ago.

I look at it and then take one long look at my brother.

“I’ve always had it there,” he whispers, shrugging as if to bat away his earnestness.

I shake my head at him, my heart full of sibling love.

“You’re outrageous, Clement.”

“I... I love you, sis.”

I squeeze his hand.

“You don’t have to elaborate any further. That photo’s proof enough. I love you, too.”

My eyes lock with Fabien’s from across the room. And I smile the same smile Elise has.

Here we all are – Baptiste, Clement, Fabien, Elise, Sylvie, and me. We have all been through hell together, but we’re still standing.

Our own little family.

55

JOLIE

“We’re getting the hell out of here,” Fabien tells me the day after the crematorium and the night spent at the bar. We’re currently hungover, resting at his place, curled on his couch.

“What do you mean?” I ask. “Go where?”

Fabien now stands, full of energy. Full of life. He doesn’t seem hungover at all anymore. I worry for his wound.

“Get out of this penthouse,” he explains enthusiastically. “Get out of this city. Get out of this country. Let’s get away from all the mess.”

I nurse my headache with finger pressure on my temples.

“You’re talking about a vacation? Are you serious, Fabien? You’re not fully recovered yet. The doctors said...”

“Fuck the doctors. I want to travel. I need to get out of here and away from everything, and so do you.”

I think about what he’s saying. He’s stretching out his hand.

Do I take it?

“Where are we going to go?” I ask him.

Fabien smiles.

“I’ve got an idea.”

“Where, Fabien?”

“It’s a surprise.”