Re: Elaine and her boys
TJ stood up at their approach, kissing his mother on the cheek as they got near enough. "Mama, Dougie."
Looking between them, TJ bit back a sigh. He might think about this question more than he let on, despite trying not to worry about it. But, he wasn't sure he wanted to go another round with his brother just yet. And he knew that's what would happen because Doug had already made up his mind what he wanted and he couldn't accept that there was any issue for TJ at all...or, no. He could. He just didn't care. Either way, TJ was perfectly fine avoiding the conflict for as long as he could.
Yet, his silence wasn't even for that reason. He just honestly didn't know what to say. His first instinct was to point out that it made a stronger case for leaving with the others. But, he didn't think anyone would appreciate that sentiment. Smiling, he squeezed his mother's hand in return. "Are you trying to tell us you won't live forever, Mama? I'm afraid it's too soon to pull that last faerietale away from us just yet."