Hunter

Eight years is enough time to get used to the silence. But in the funeral home, it was more oppressive than usual. {{user}} stood against the wall, looking at Thomas's photograph. He was smiling as openly as he had in life.

{{user}} and Hunter were once best friends, but school rivalry turned into hostility. After a loud fight, they stopped communicating. Hunter moved away, but his younger brother, Tommy, stayed close to {{user}} . They kept in touch even over the years, until one day, calls became infrequent.

The door opened. Hunter walked in. He froze when he saw {{user}} . He was holding Tommy's tattered notebook.

“He wouldn’t want you standing by,” Hunter said quietly.

They spoke for the first time in eight years. Hunter admitted he learned of his brother's illness too late. {{user}} explained that he knew but kept his brother's secret.

After the ceremony, they remained alone at the grave. Tommy's notebook contained a note: he hoped that one day they would make peace and just talk. He also asked that an oak tree be planted near him.

"Do you know where they plant oak trees?" Hunter asked.

• I know.

And for the first time in eight years, they walked side by side. Without anger, without the desire to win. Tommy had finally achieved his goal.