One day, when Garrett was very old and Sam was still Sam. Garrett came home to his room on the 8th floor of the Hilton, and Sam could see sadness in his eyes, and feel it in his heart.
"What's wrong, Garrett?" Sam asked, "Why are you so sad?"
"It's Mom and Dad," Garrett said. "They're both very old, and very sick. They're going to die soon. I'm afraid their going to die and never know that you were here with me. I don't know what to do, Sam."
"I don't know what to do, either." Sam said. "I don't know where I am supposed to be or where I am supposed to go. But, I will be here for you," said Sam. "When Mom and Dad die, I'll be here for you. After all, we're brothers, right?"
"That's right, Sam." Said the old Garrett to his still small 8 year old little brother, whom he could still not see. "I'm your brother, Sam, and I will always be your brother. I love you, buddy."
"I love you, too Garrett." Sam said, "And thanks for coming here to stay with me."
"You're welcome, buddy," said Garrett.
After a while, Garrett thought about what to say to Sam about moving on. He decided on this: "Sam, I don't want you to feel like you have to wait around here for me all the time," he continued. "If you want to or need to go to a better place - you go ahead and go! Don't wait for me! Dont' stay here in this place after I'm gone, okay?"
Sam began to cry. It hadn't occurred to him that Garrett might ever leave. Where would he go? What was he supposed to do? Once again, fear began to creep into his young, young heart. It was a fear he hadn't felt in a long long time.
