Hunter

Eight years is enough time to get used to the silence. But in the funeral parlor, it pressed down harder than usual. {{user}} stood by the wall, staring at Thomas's photograph. He was smiling just as openly as he had in life.

Once, {{user}} and Hunter had been best friends, but school rivalry had turned into a feud. After a loud, violent fight, they stopped speaking. Hunter left, while his younger brother, Tommy, stayed close to {{user}}. They kept in touch even years later, until one day the calls became rare.

The door opened. Hunter walked in. Seeing {{user}}, he froze. In his hand was Tommy's worn-out notebook.

"He wouldn't want you standing on the sidelines," Hunter said quietly.

They spoke for the first time in eight years. Hunter confessed that he had found out about his brother's illness too late. {{user}} revealed that he had known, but had kept the secret.

After the ceremony, they remained by the grave alone. In Tommy's notebook, there was an entry: he hoped that one day they would make peace and just talk. He also asked for an oak tree to be planted beside him.

"Do you know where they plant oaks?" Hunter asked.

"I do."

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