George stepped into the lounge just as Kathy came down the stairs.

“Hi darl. How’s Peter?” George had a voice like a bear, deep and rough.

“Hey there! He’s fine, and he sends his love. When did you get in?”

George moved over to the base of the stairs as she descended. “About three hours ago. Have you spoken to your brother lately?”

“Nope. Andy’s totally wrapped up in that new project at work. He’s beyond the attention of us mere mortals these days.” Kathy moved down the stairs to George and hugged him tight. George smiled down at her, proud of how she’d grown.

Kathy released him and stepped back, looking down at the floor and seeming lost for words.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” George moved closer,but Kathy backed away even further, onto the first stair.

“Look…there’s something I have to tell you. I just…I don’t know how to say it.” Kathy looked up, tears in her eyes as they met his.

George looked horrified. “Honey. You know you can talk to me about anything!”

Kathy inched further away, heel striking the next riser. “I know that, but this is…hard. It’s sorta to do with Andy.”

George looked confused. “I thought you hadn’t seen him?”

Kathy blushed. She walked quickly past George and into the lounge, subconsciously moving so that a sofa lay between them. “It’s more to do with Gina.”

“Your sister-in-law? Honey, I don’t understand?” George tried to move around the obstacle to embrace her, but Kathy moved to keep it between them.

“Look…it’s hard, okay?” Kathy sagged against the sofa, finally letting him close enough to hold her.

“Whatever it is, we can deal with it, darl.” George felt Kathy stiffen as he spoke.

“I…I had her. I had an affair with her.” Kathy sagged bonelessly to the sofa.

“What? Do you mean sexually? You slept with your brother’s wife?” George was unable to keep his horror from his voice, as much as he tried. “Have you told Peter?”

Kathy started to cry. “I don’t have to tell him. He was there. He slept with her too.”

“Oh, sweetheart. What have you done?” George held her close. What else could he do?