145 FOURTH ECHORE

Despite his disapproval now and then, Buck loves his brother, just as he does the rest of his family. He knows that Guernsey has the same pressure and responsibility that Buck does. But if he's going to make it back from the Games, back to his siblings, he'll need to be cunning, and he can't let pesky emotions drag him down.

His little siblings, Brielle and McLean, come in next, and they don't seem to understand what's happening. Buck hugs them all the same, kissing the top of their heads. "You'll be good while I'm gone?" he says gently.

They nod emphatically, eyes wide. They depend on him. He can tell from their almost worshipful expressions that they have faith he'll be okay.

His heavy-eyed mother walks into the room and silently embraces him. He's the only one that can see her grief over these past years. He understands her sadness; he misses his father every day, just like her. But he keeps moving, because what other choice does he have?