Matt
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
"'That's my brother,' the old man said quietly."
on the right that's me on the left we went out there when we were about your age thought we knew everything thought we'd have some beers chase some jack-rabbits look at the stars he pointed with a shaking finger toward the background of the photo
Just at the edge of the frame, half hidden behind the truck, was a tall, thin shape.
You see that?
He asked.
I nodded, throat tight.
We didn't, he said.
Not until years later.
I found this in a box after my mother died.
I saw that thing behind us, watching.
Like it had always been there.
Like it was just waiting for us to figure out we weren't alone in the picture.
He took the photo back, tucking it into his pocket like it might bite.
Next year, he said.
My brother went back out there with some friends.
Didn't invite me.
I was mad at him for months.
Thought he was ditching me, you know?
Being an ass.
His fingers tightened around the coffee cup.