Colin had very nearly ripped up the letter before he'd even opened it - he was quite sure nothing good could come of a correspondence with his brother. But, the part of him that could never let Dennis go - that part made him stop, made him open the letter, made him read it instead of waiting for Cormac like he had planned.
He didn't know what to do with the letter, didn't know how to respond - it was, well it was what he'd been hoping for, but he couldn't stop that little niggling voice in the back of his head that said it was a lie.
He wanted his brother back more than anything, he wanted the playful silly boy he'd grown up with - and here on parchment was at least some hope that maybe he could have that again, despite how stupid he might have been for wanting it to be true.
Colin was glad Cormac had taken Emma and the puppies out to play that afternoon - he spent the next few hours reading and rereading the letter over and over, debating whether or not he should respond, if he was going to be able to stand being let down again if this was all some sort of ruse.
But soon he found he couldn't keep ignoring the letter.
Dennis,
You're a bleeding prat, I can't believe you'd have the nerve to write me after what you did.
Please don't let this be just another trick.
Are you back in town?
I'm not sure a meeting would be the best thing right now, there's still too much anger,hate, ... since I last saw you.
Give me a little time to sort things out, and maybe I'll be up to a meeting.
And I swear to god if you're playing with me again, I will kill you this time.
Colin.
The letter was a mess, but it was the best he could do. And he wanted to send it before he decided against it or Cormac came home and convinced him not to.