While at high school together Ben had always been my quiet protector; no bullying came my way, lest my 6’ 1” brother rain retribution on any tormenters. I took him into a hug as we stood in the doorway and said again “Ben, I’m so glad you’re here” and, rising on my tiptoes, kissed him lightly on the lips. Xxnx Somehow by instinct I was afraid to look Ben in the eye and distracted myself by looking instead to the bed. I shushed him quickly – “the parents are asleep” and dragged him into the house. If you asked, I think folks would say that the three most important things about Christmas are: family, family, and family. The project had languished after the basics were done: a bedroom created, plumbing roughed in for a kitchenette, a bathroom completed, and a living room framed and walled in
