Chapter 23: Strengthening Bonds

Montana 

The next morning, while eating breakfast, my phone vibrates, signaling a FaceTime call. “Excuse me. I need to take this.” I scoot my chair from the breakfast table and Carson’s parents.

“It’s my brother,” I whisper to Carson as I pass by.

“Hello,” I greet nervously, aware of the lecture coming my way.

“I didn’t wake you, did I?” Joe asks.

“We’re eating breakfast. It’s eight o’clock here,” I answer. “What time is it in Africa?”

“About five. We’re getting ready for dinner,” he explains.

In the background, I see bare dirt and huts in the distance.

“I miss you,” I whisper, fighting back my tears.

“I’m sure you do, but we’ve got other stuff to cover.” My brother’s voice takes on an authoritative tone. “What were you thinking?”

“Joe…” Tears fall, and my throat swells shut.

“Let’s put aside the fact that you were blitzed in an unfamiliar city with strangers that are rock stars. Mom says y