Loving Cousin

"Kate, your cousin's here," Mom said as she opened the front door.

I looked up from my spot at the end of the couch and smiled. He was cuter than I remembered. I got up and crossed the living room to give him a quick hug.

I hated the forced front I had to put on around distant relatives, but I was the dutiful daughter and played my part. Mom loved her sister Susan, but their family wasn't around much growing up.

"John, it's good to see you again," I said.

"Thanks, I really appreciate you guys putting up with me for Christmas."

Mom mussed his hair. "You're welcome to stay here anytime you want. I've been hoping you'd come for a visit ever since you started at Old Dominion."

"Mom's been talking about coming out to see you for years, but I think I torpedoed her plans when I picked an expensive school on the other side of the country."

"Considering the way she brags about how well you're doing, it's been worth it."

John sat his duffel and backpack down near the couch and stretched out his