THE BOY WHO MOVED IN AND CHANGED EVERYTHING

At 14, I was wary when 15-year-old Remy, a distant cousin with a mysterious scar, moved into our home after his mom’s illness. My parents’ rules—like no pajamas around him or being alone together—made me resentful. Rumors swirled about his past, but late-night kitchen talks over cookies revealed his kind heart. He shared stories of his mom, Maribel, and feeling like a burden, while I confided my frustrations. Over time, Remy became family, gifting me a carved box and a “Stay Brave” bracelet. At 17, I overheard him arguing with my dad about protecting

me, and he later saved me from a burglar, revealing his fierce loyalty. At 18, I learned he was my mom’s best friend’s son, taken in to avoid foster care. When Remy moved out at 21, we stayed close. His mom, now in remission, reunited with him, and we welcomed her. Remy married my friend Fiorella, and our bond grew stronger. From a strange start, Remy became my chosen brother, proving family is built on love, not just blood.