Finn turns his attention back to Jermaine, looking flushed and anxious. Some small, unkind part of him was tired of this, tired of Jermaine, and just wanted Jake back.

“We…slept in the den. That’s the room with the wood stove, so we could keep it warm at night.”

Finn remembered how much fun that very first night had been, like camping, Jake had said. They had sleeping bags and even set up a blanket tent, like they were outside. The lit candles and Jake cleaned roasted them hot dogs in the fireplace, and told him stories until he was too tired to keep his eyes open. It was a good memory, even though he knew eventually the fun had worn off and they’d had their tough times here.

But that first night was perfect.