Page 138 of Butterfly

They were in the woods, and the hot day had attracted families and couples.

Dogs ran around barking, and children were laughing on the play equipment hidden in the trees.

Ollie had been worried they wouldn’t be able to find Anna, but the second Teddy glanced at the café, he’d frozen at the woman in the window. She was sat at a table, not looking out but staring down solemnly with her black hair obscuring most of her face.

Teddy had still recognised her, though.

Ollie squeezed his hand, then let go. Teddy shot him a grateful look, hesitating a moment, before taking the first tentative step towards his sister. He had a bag slung over his shoulder with a notepad, pens, and the dictionary he’d stolen from Hollybrook.

Ollie watched from outside long enough to see the moment they were reunited.

Anna got up from her chair and hugged Teddy tight.

Teddy slipped his arms around her back, embracing her back, and closed his eyes.

It reminded Ollie of when he’d first been reunited with Leo, but he and Leo had only been apart for a year. Teddy and his sister hadn’t seen each other for over a decade. A lot had happened to both of them during that time.

Ollie studied the noticeboard beside the café. It had all the different woodland walks mapped out, and he zeroed in on the one that led to a meadow.

Meadows meant butterflies.

He called his brother as he walked and smiled when Leo picked up with a breathless “Hi.”

Ollie tried not to laugh. “Congratulations…”

Leo groaned. “Don’t start.”

“You finally asked Jess out…”

“And she said yes.”

Ollie smirked. “I saw the gushy post online. I’ll be honest, I lost my breakfast all over my lap. All those heart emojis. Ever heard of playing it cool?”

“That was me playing it cool.”

“Yikes.”

Leo let out a dreamy sigh. “I’ve liked her since I moved here.”

“Love at first sight?”

“Something like that. Where’s Grizzly Bear?”

Ollie sighed down the phone. “He’s called Teddy, and he’s with his sister.”

“Ooo, intense.”

“Yeah. I’ve left them to it, but I just wanted to call, tease you a little, then say I’m happy for you.”

Because hewas, so goddamn happy for him.

“I know you are,” Leo said softly. “Next Saturday, don’t forget.”

“Like I could.”

“And I don’t think you should ride my bike again after last time…”

Ollie reddened. “I’d never ridden before. You said you came off on your first time too.”

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