Page 2 of Ours to Lose

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Aubrey

Your face too?

Gabe

Whatever you want

Aubrey

Deal

I should probably get some sleep. I’m in charge of the kitchen tomorrow, which means I have to get to the restaurant early even though the day after Thanksgiving is usually dead. But thanks for texting. Having you home always makes the holidays feel right.

Gabe

I was thinking the same about you. And I wanted to give you a proper goodbye, given how chaotic things still were when you left. With training for the tournament, I probably won’t be great at staying in touch

Aubrey

Then I’ll wish you luck now and see you in Japan. Go kick ass.

Gabe

You too, killer. And I still want that rematch

Aubrey

Anytime, Hardt. Next time you’re in town, give me a call.

Gabe

Count on it. Don’t make my baby bro cry too hard in the meantime

Aubrey

No promises

Thirteen Months Later

Saturday, Dec 25 · 5:14 p.m.

Aubrey

Hey. I’m thinking of you today. Evan said he hasn’t heard from you, and I know how hard holidays can be, especially this soon after the funeral.

I’ve been thinking about your mom’s gingerbread cookies and how she’d have us help decorate them when we were all home. The nonstop Christmas music she’d play while your dad cooked. How she bought us new mugs each year specifically for his eggnog. She’s who I think of when I think of Christmas. It doesn’t feel right that she’s gone.

I know you may not want to talk, and if you don’t, that’s okay. But if you ever do, know that I’m here.

Thursday, Feb 24 · 3:31 p.m.

Aubrey

Just checking in. Hope you’re doing okay.

Wednesday, Apr 27 · 11:27 a.m.

Aubrey

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