Jack — Fifteen

Two weeks into college, Jack throws himself into classes and a rigid schedule to avoid thinking about Finn. He attends lectures, studies in the library, runs at night, and eats at off-hours to stay isolated. He brushes off attempts at conversation, even from a girl he might have welcomed under other circumstances, and lies to his worried parents about making friends.

One afternoon, with no pressing work, Jack calls home, fields more concern about friends, then returns to the dorm early. He finds Brett crying over a framed photo. Expecting denial, Jack instead hears Brett apologize and confess that his twin brother, Todd, died when they were fourteen, which has made sharing a room painful.

Brett describes Todd’s talents in acting, love of baseball, and generous spirit, and how a freak traffic collision led to Todd’s death. Moved, Jack reveals that Finn died last month and explains Finn’s careful nature, kindness, soccer skill, and recent relationship. They acknowledge how death shattered their former belief in their own invulnerability.

Jack skips his run to eat with Brett; over pizza they talk about grief and memory. Brett assures Jack he will never forget Finn and that, in time, some memories will bring happiness without overwhelming pain. Their conversation eases the tension between them.

As they head back, Brett reiterates that someday remembering will not only hurt. In the elevator, he jokes about Jack judging his JV baseball photo, and they both laugh. They are not instant friends, but a genuine start is made.