Chapter 7
Derek awoke early the next morning, the preoccupation with his father’s absence shoved into the back of his mind. When he was ready, he climbed downstairs into the kitchen and found Corey already sitting at the table eating cereal in his prep school uniform, a white polo with dress-khakis, his book-bag and camera on the edge of the table ready to go. When his brother looked up and saw him, a sad smile passed his eyes, but was almost immediately covered by a slap-happy grin and a “good-morning” wave.
Derek purposely ignored Corey’s blatant attempt at covering up something that was bothering him. However, he had learned of late not to push his younger brother. In the last year, Corey had become moodier, an air of discontent and general melancholy always hung about him. Derek knew that some of it had to do with the fact that their father was never home. If it was important, Corey usually spoke up in time. So, Derek let it go and smiled back as he grabbed a bowl from the cupboard and poured his own bowl of cereal.