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"Big brother??"
My entire body freezes at the sound of a third voice coming from behind us.
I turn around to see a wide-eyed Tyler staring at me. Jake also looks at him in surprise.
"I... I was looking for you because Dr. Carmine had a question to ask you about Terry, the new cowboy."
Tyler addresses Jake while continuing to stare at me.
"Go ahead, Jake. We'll finish up later."
I tell him this before he can try to come up with some lie to throw Tyler off from just hearing me refer to him as my older brother.
After Jake leaves, Tyler and I are left standing in silence.
I avoid his gaze, staring at a piece of hay on my boot instead. The foals nearby are making soft noises, unaware of our awkward silence.
Finally, I can't take the silence anymore and try to explain.
"I don't know what you think you heard—"
Tyler cuts me off.
"I heard enough."
He says firmly.
"I heard you call Jake your 'big brother.' We often call each other family in small towns, but it sounded different coming from you."
I try to argue, to make up some excuse, but Tyler laughs, and I stop.
"No, I'm not convinced."
He says, smiling slightly.
"You meant it, and you and Jake look alike."
His correct guess makes me uncomfortable. I sigh, accepting the truth I've kept secret.
"Yes, it's true."
I say, looking at him.
"Jake is my brother. But please, keep it between us. No one else knows, and I'd prefer it stays that way."
Tyler's face turns to understanding, his earlier amusement gone.
"Your secret's safe with me."
He promises, but his curious look tells me he's still interested in the story. But I don't know if I should open up about my story.
I am still his therapist, and I believe it would be weird if he knew more about my personal life when I knew nothing about him.
Especially since he refuses to open up in therapy.
He notices my silence when I refuse to elaborate on how Jake is my brother and why it's supposed to be such a big secret.
"Since I know your secret... I'll tell you mine."
