Chapter 133: Chapter 133

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Aunt Julie was crying a little by the time they parked behind Jake’s building. “I’m happy for you,” she explained, “it’s just very emotional.”

Uncle Ed took David’s suitcase out of the trunk. “It’s so sudden.”

“You know we’ll always be here for you,” said Aunt Julie. “That’s never going to change. We’re so proud of the man you’ve become, David. Your mom and dad would be proud, too.”

“Jake promised you can see us whenever you want, and we’re going to hold him to it.” Uncle Ed punctuated this with a firm shutting of the car door.

Speaking of Jake, he came out the back door of his building, making great time even on crutches. He was obviously used to crutches. “Is this everything?”

David had brought his suitcase, backpack, a duffel bag, and a small plastic bin with his favorite books. “Not everything I own. Everything I wanted to bring right away.” He’d been far too impatient to pack every single possession.