28- ALIKE

BLAISE

I awoke, entangled in the sheets, with sunlight streaming through the window and the melodious morning chorus of birds outside. Lila was absent from the bed, but the sound of water splattering in the bathroom suggested her location. Eager to catch up with Ace, my younger brother, who had arrived unexpectedly like a thief on a rampage two nights ago, I extricated myself from the sheets and stretched. We'd had scant time for meaningful interaction since his arrival. I was eager to catch up and hear about his business ventures in Italy. Slipping into my plush slippers, I made my way out of our bedroom.

Upon reaching his room, I found Ace impeccably dressed and groomed—a surprising sight, given his typical aversion to mornings.

"Hey, brother!" he greeted exuberantly, his grin filled with roguish charm.

"Hey, man. You look…" I struggled to find the words to describe his morning glow. "Radiant."

We hugged each other.

Growing up, Ace had been a