“For someone who’s just turned thirteen today: you don’t seem very happy.” Brian comments casually as he and Molly walk down the street. She shrugs, “I’m okay.” Brian rolls his eyes and just waits. “It’s just…” Stopping at the ice cream parlor, Brian sighs, “Come on.” “Ice cream?” “Your brother made me promise to get you a cone of ice cream.” Brian replies, stepping into the parlor. She smiles softly. “I would always get a special ice cream cone from my parents on my birthday.” Brian nods. He knew Justin had wanted to be the one to buy it for her, but the sidewalks here were less than ideal for a person with crutches, and the walk would have been to exhausting for him. Besides, he wanted to make sure her party would go on without a hitch. After ordering, Molly sits down at a booth. “Thanks, Brian.” Sitting across from her, Brian remains silent. Sighing, Molly traces her fingers against the smooth table. “It’s just different… without them… without anyone… except Justin… and you… but you know what I mean…. It’s… different.” Looking at the wall, she starts on her ice cream cone. Nodding his head, he can only imagine what it must feel like to lose two parents that he actually loved and that they felt the same. If it was anything like how he felt when he thought he lost Justin... then it must be hell. “Justin never stayed long for my birthday… he didn’t want to bump into Dad. But he always brought me a present and would sing me happy birthday as I opened it… he never got to stay for cake…” “He will today.” She nods, smiling softly. After a few moments, she asks, “You don’t want any ice cream?” “Definitely not.” She chuckles, and then looks shyly away, “Um… thanks, you know… for… you know.” Brian nods, smiling softly. “I’m glad you’re here… that you found us and everything.” “Me too.” Leaning back, he exhales slowly. He had a lot to be grateful for. “And I’m happy that you guys are getting married.” Still smiling, Brian thanks her. “It took long enough though,” she teases. He smirks, but can’t help changing it into a smile.