It is November of 3017. It has been almost three months since school started and Audrey is not ready for Thanksgiving break. Her parents say Dylan must come home. Robert misses him. Her house in Austin is a four hour drive but she takes the bus instead. It makes stops, takes an extra hour to get there. They make all of Dylan’s favorite dishes and ask him about school. Robert wants to go to the same university as him when he graduates in two years. Audrey is very happy for him.
Audrey’s parents go pick her up from school in December. She was not expecting them so they do not see Dylan. The ride home is silent and uncomfortable. Robert misses Dylan, not Audrey. He better be there when they get home. She wishes he could miss her, not Dylan. Robert does not know Audrey though. She understands.
School is over and the weather is getting really hot. Audrey packs her bags and takes a bus back to Austin. Her parents welcome her home warmly and ask about Dylan. Dylan is doing great, he can talk to girls with ease and joined a sports team. They are very proud and hope he can help Robert with school applications and scholarships. Robert is very excited and wants to go visit the campus in fall. They have a lovely dinner. Nobody asks about Audrey.
It is October of 3018. Audrey is studying with some friends in her apartment when Robert knocks on the door. He is with a teacher and a few friends visiting campus. He was excited to introduce them to Dylan but he is not there. Robert tells his friends his brother must be in class or forgot he was coming. They leave without talking to Audrey.
Audrey’s parents drive to her school in December to bring her home. This time she knows they are coming but she does not bring Dylan. They are upset again but assume he will be home for dinner. Dylan never goes home. Robert is silent. Her mother serves the food and they ignore the empty chair where her father usually sits. He will only eat with Dylan.
In February, Audrey gets attacked at a Valentine’s event. A hate crime is what people call it. Her parents drive the four hours but somehow get there in three. It would have never happened to Dylan, but she is not him. Her parents stay for a few days. Robert calls without their parents knowing. They don’t want him to see her but Robert likes talking with Audrey.
Audrey’s father is preparing the grill while her mother sets decorations around the house. Robert has graduated and will be going to university with Dylan. The whole family will be attending the graduation party but they do not want Audrey to be there. It is unsafe for her and for their son. Robert insists that she is welcomed but his parents don’t want him to be seen with her. Audrey understands. She tells Robert that she is there in spirit and doesn’t mind being left out. She is used to it but Robert gets mad. When it is time for the party, Dylan arrives and Audrey gets left behind. During dinner Robert asks about Audrey. Nobody else knows her and his parents are disappointed in him. Audrey smiles and talks about herself. Everyone is confused at first but seem to like her anyway. Nobody misses Dylan.