Read 3 Can You Picture This? for Free Online

therapy dog for your patients.”
    I nudged him as we walked through the unlocked door. Clancy greeted us enthusiastically, and I told her to listen while George and I explained the situation to my kids and to my brother, who had already arrived. Clancy pulled back from me, almost like she knew I was going to say things she didn’t like.
    I phoned Father Brother, the nickname for my priest brother, Pete. He had a few extra rooms in his place, and I asked if Adam and Sarah could stay there for a few days.
    “What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned evident in his voice.
    “Don’t get excited, but a pal of mine was attacked and we don’t know if his attacker saw me with him or not.”
    He raised his voice, “You say don’t get excited and then tell me this!”
    “Calm down. You’re a priest.”
    “I’m also your brother, dammit.”
    “Pete, stop it. Priests don’t cuss.”
    “Don’t try to change the subject. Tell me what’s up,” he demanded.
    “I did. I was talking with someone, gave him a ride somewhere, later he ended up in the ER. We’re not sure if the murderer thinks I know something or not, so basically I’m in protective custody in my own house.”
    “Why can’t they keep you at the police station or put you in another house?” he asked.
    Growing weary of the questions, I sighed and handed my phone to George. I saw him change from boyfriend to cop before my eyes. As I walked upstairs to get the kids, I heard him say that Rob would be there too. Of course! I should have told one brother that another brother would be helping. That would have sold Pete on the deal.
    Sarah and Adam were not pleased at waking up—especially Sarah, because she’d just gone to bed after working all night. She didn’t exactly complain, but repeatedly rubbed her eyes while saying she just fell asleep. Adam had no problem complaining, as usual. I told them both that George would explain everything when they came downstairs, and that they needed to hurry.
    George said that he’d convinced Pete to quit nagging me and he told Pete that he loved me and…
    “You told him you loved me?” Suddenly I wished we were really alone.
    “Of course. I’ve told you. You’ve told me…”
    I interrupted, “I was first.”
    “Yeah, but I knew it first. I just didn’t want to scare you off. Anyway, since we both know it and have verbalized it, and your kids know, there’s no reason everyone else can’t know. Right?”
    “Right.” My smile felt good in the middle of this mess. I patted George’s shoulder when I walked by him. As I did, the scent of a familiar aftershave brought me back to high school. I remembered the same thing from the way he smelled so long ago, but I couldn’t identify it. I’d have to ask him later.
    My feelings were close to the surface and I almost cried when the kids stumbled down the stairs. They looked so young, with tousled hair, both in T-shirts and gym shorts. I quickly made coffee, and while it brewed, I pulled out their favorite cereals and milk. Just as he had when they were children, Adam loved Count Chocula. And Sarah had favored Wheaties ever since she had seen her first athlete pictured on the box.
    I stayed in the cozy kitchen, not wanting to face my children. I knew I was abdicating the responsibility of explaining things, making George do it. Not very mature, but I also knew how they were going to react, and I figured I’d put the pieces back together when Adam exploded and Sarah started crying.
    Nothing. Coffee brewed. I poured four cups, fixed each one the way each person liked it, took them into the living room, and waited. They sat huddled together in the same room, but talking quietly.
    “For heaven’s sake, you guys. Any reactions?” I couldn’t help myself.
    George said, “I told them in the beginning to stay calm for you. And they have. You’ve raised two great people.”
    Sarah stood and I noticed she had tears in her eyes, but they hadn’t fallen. Wordlessly she came