Jesse comes over, but he can’t stay long because he’s going to the batting cages with Jason. Maybe I’m the only one who thought Uncle Todd should be remembered today. Or maybe Jesse made plans because he couldn’t count on me anymore.

I’m not sure what to do once he leaves. Mom’s still in her office, and Dad’s not home yet. I’d get on the Guinness site, but I realize there’s no reason for that anymore.

I knock on Mom’s office door and tell her I’m going on a walk. She reminds me to take my phone and to be home by six for dinner.

I don’t know where I’m going. Or maybe I do.

I haven’t ever been to Brandon’s front door. We’ve always gone in through the garage. Some long, chime-y song plays when I ring the doorbell.

“What do you want?” Hunter says. I whip around, but nobody is there.

“I’m on a speaker, dummy,” Hunter says. “I can see you.”

“Oh. Um.” I lean toward the doorbell. “Is Brandon there?”

“I can see up your nostrils. You have boogers.”

I stand up and fight the urge to wipe my nose.

“Brandon’s not here.”

I don’t believe him. But I don’t know if he’s lying because he hates me or because Brandon told him to. “Thanks.”

“Welcome. And don’t come back now, ya hear.”

Turns out free time is overrated. I don’t have the records to attempt, or Brandon or Jesse to hang out with.

On the way back home, I stop by my old elementary school and sit on the swings. I miss it here. But I’m glad it’s all different too. I don’t want to go backward.