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“I was thinking the same thing.” I offered a nervous smile.

“I’ve been forced to stay sober, and it’s helped me clear my mind. I’ve been working out every day, getting my proper medication, attending meetings with the other inmates who also struggle with addiction, and I’ve even gotten my GED.” He chuckled, before adding, “Bet ya didn’t see that one coming.”

After Logan ruined my plans senior year, he fell into the deep end. He stopped going to school altogether, continued spending his time around the wrong crowd, and tried his hardest to pull me under with him. Even his long-time high school girlfriend couldn’t deal with him anymore, so she ran off to Phoenix after she graduated.

When I gave up dancing, I spent most of senior year trying to get him on the straight and narrow—even when we weren’t on good terms. He never listened to me, and it was at that moment that I knew he was going to learn the hard way someday.

Creating space had to be what was best for me. So, I did just that.

Now, years had passed, and with each of us choosing a different approach to life, we sat on opposite sides of the table.

“I’m really proud of you, Logan. You’ve come a long way.” My eyes dropped to my lap where my hands gripped tightly together, completely unsure of what to say or where to start.

“I’ve changed, Andi. I promise,” he pleaded.

Scratching the back of my neck, I hadn’t gained the courage to look back up at him yet. I cleared my throat before asking, “Would you like anything from the vending machines?” I hiked my thumb behind me as I started to rise from my seat, already craving a moment alone.

“Um … yeah, sure. You know what I like.” His lips lifted into a partial smile before I could turn around and head straight for the machine that held the candy bars.

The soft spot that ached for the relationship we used to have burned inside of me as I browsed the selection, reminiscing on times when we’d buy candy bars at the convenience store with the change we found in parking lots.

Logan wasn’t picky; he loved almost any candy bar that existed. But when my eyes latched onto the Snickers bar, it reminded me of every Halloween when he’d give up his Snickers because he knew they were my favorite. He convinced me it wasn’t a big deal, but as we grew up, I realized that was one way in which he had control of making me happy. We were twins … of course, Snickers were his favorite, too.

Dropping six quarters into the machine, I selected our favorite candy bar, watching it drop from the spring until it thumped at the bottom. Moving over to the next machine, I made quick work of getting an ice-cold Coke.

Once I returned to the table, Logan did his best to make light conversation. “Snickers. Your favorite.” His lips curved.

“It’s for you, actually.” I slid the chocolate across the table along with the sugary drink.

Opening the wrapper, he split the candy in half. “Don’t make me eat this alone.” He offered the candy to me.

Hesitating to grab it out of his hand, I felt the guilt creeping in. “It’s probably been ages since you’ve had one. It’s all yours.”

“Not necessarily.” For a brief moment, he dropped his hand. “I work in the kitchen now, pays a little better than custodial work. I don’t have anyone to call, which means I don’t waste my money on calling cards. Usually, I just buy some paper and pencils. Every now and then, I have some money left over for a sweet treat.”

Even though he had no intention to give me a guilt trip, I still felt it eating me alive. He sat in here for years without a person to call, and he still somehow found his way to sobriety. Logan was stronger than I gave him credit for.

“Fuck. I’m so sorry, Logan.” I dropped my head into my hands.

“Hey...” Logan reached for my arm but didn’t make contact before the guard snapped at him not to touch me. “Andi, you have nothing to be sorry for.” He pulled his hand back.

“I feel like the world’s worst sister for letting you rot in here without contacting you sooner. I’ve lived here for years, and you’re just a drive away, for fuck’s sake.”

“Andi. Hey, look at me.”

My eyes met his, and I felt that weak little girl I used to be take over my body when I gave into my emotions.

“I should have written back. I should have visited after your sentencing. I shouldn’t have thought the worst of you, because look at you now.” I waved my hand up and down over the changed man that sat across from me.

“Andi, I’m doing as good as I am because you took time away. I needed this. I needed to be on my own to fully figure out where I went wrong and be able to admit it. I was dealt this hand because I fucked up. I drove that car drunk and killed an innocent person. I don’t blame you for not coming to visit—if anything, I understand now why you didn’t.”

Toying with the wrapper to the candy bar he’d set down in the middle of the table, I roamed my fingers over the frayed edges as he continued to let out feelings he’d likely been harboring for years now.

“My actions growing up were out of hand. But Andi, you were always right—we needed to get away from there. I may not have taken the traditional path to getting out, but I know the day I walk out of here, I’ll be in a much better place. And look at you, my gorgeous sister.” His lips lifted into a smile. “If I had to guess, you’ve fallen in love and have the best friends a girl could ask for. You’re successful. If you’re not choreographing or dancing professionally yourself, you’re probably teaching others what you were always so skilled at.”

I broke.

I couldn’t hold it in any longer.