Chapter Text
“You’re leaving? Why?”
Jack couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Zill had only turned eighteen a week ago, and he was already moving out?
“Yeah,” Zill stared at the ground. The three of them were sitting in the kitchen, where they always gathered for serious conversations. “I mean, you two have done so much for me all this time, and I feel bad about taking advantage of your kindness for so long. It’s time for me to be on my own.”
“You were never taking advantage!” Mindy protested, saying exactly what Jack was thinking. “We couldn’t be happier to have you in our lives. You might not need to be here anymore, but you’re always welcome to stay! For as long as you want.”
“Zill, none of the things we’ve done for you were like gifts, they’re just what you do for family,” said Jack. “You’re my big brother — I’d miss you so much!”
“I’d miss you too.” Zill twitched, like he wanted to give Jack a hug but was restraining himself. “But I have to do this for me. I have some money saved up, and that could support me for a little while, and I’m trying to find another part time job that I can work around school.”
“And if you can’t?” Mindy asked.
“I — I’m not sure. But I promise I’ll do whatever it takes not to drop out.”
Mindy stared at him until he looked up to meet her eyes, and some kind of understanding passed between them. “That’s all I can ask from you,” she said.
Jack pressed his paws onto the table and stood up. “Don’t tell me you’re just going to let him —“
“He’s an adult, Jack,” Mindy said. “He has a right to live on his own, if that’s what he wants. But,” she added to Zill. “I hope you know that you can always come home if you change your mind, or you could come over just to have dinner, or if you ever need advice, or anything, really.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.” Zill adopted an uncomfortable expression. “Um, I guess that’s all I really wanted to say to you… I’ll be in my room if you need me.”
As he left, Jack sat back down. “I don’t understand,” he said. “It’s like he’s running away from us all over again.”
“Oh, you know how he is by now,” said Mindy. “He knows we’re family. He knows we’ve never left him behind — not forever, at any rate. And he won’t leave us behind either. Here or elsewhere, he’ll always be your brother.”