Whitefish River you're the truth that's breaking me and keeping me together

The last time Riley had seen Charles, he had been cruel to him. And in turn, the world had been cruel back to Riley -- rounding out his sharper edges, bludgeoning his points to soft corners. He stood before Charles a little different. Harder in some ways, softer than others.

He did not immediately recognize Charles, and so for a few short seconds the brother was ruthlessly scowled at -- until at last Riley recalled those long ears and unmistakable pelt. "Charles." So many things had changed since they'd played in Easthollow. He'd done so many awful things, too. Would Charles still love his brother, if he knew?

Riley's coldness fell away to a lukewarm reception -- which in Riley's world, was the closest thing to brotherly affection that Charles would ever get.