He turned to see Leo, breathless and clutching the compass. The younger boy didn't look angry; he looked determined.
Elias walked over to Leo’s bedside. He thought about the time Leo had fallen into the creek when they were seven, and how Elias had jumped in without a second thought, his own fear vanishing the moment he grabbed Leo’s hand. He thought about the countless nights they had spent whispering about the stars, imagining they were great explorers. Brotherly Love
Elias looked at his brother, really looked at him, and realized that the "little" brother he had been trying to protect had grown into the strength he himself needed. He closed his hand over the compass, nodded once, and started down the road. He didn't look back, but for the first time in weeks, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter. He turned to see Leo, breathless and clutching the compass