His hands raced across my back, “Please come.” His eyes stared directly into mine and I couldn’t help but stare back.

Some may say staring is rude, but this moment had to have been an exception; it felt so right, so right indeed.“So will you?” he kept gazing into my eyes as if he were screaming what he wanted me to say. I knew what he wanted me to say. I still wouldn’t say it. I knew it would just lead to trouble. I knew it would lead to searches and newspapers with my face on the front cover; I really wanted to avoid all that.
What if he’s right about all of this, though? I thought. Will it make things better or will it make everything worse? Will they find me? Will they hurt me? Will they hurt Colin? I can’t stand not seeing him for so long again… he’s my favorite – and only, for that matter – brother…!
“Alan!” he snapped. “Listen to me! Please…” his brow crunched together and his lips trembled a little, “Please. I’ve been gone for so long for you and this is how you repay me? I really think I deserve more respect than this.”
“No, Colin, it’s not that,” I had to say something sooner or later. “I have my doubts.” I regretted saying it from the second the words slipped from my mouth.
“Fine. Fine. Just stay here. Rot here. You aren’t going to grow and experience new things sitting her at home. Take a damn risk, Alan.” He picked up his coat and headed toward the door.
“Colin! Wait! Please, Colin,” I ran to him and held the forearm with the coat draped over it.
“Will you come?” his voice was shaky, as if he were about to cry.
“Yes, Colin. I’ll come."