The Hat

He had a leather hat with rings linked around the base of the head bit (not the brim). He loved it and wore it all the time. After he died Dad gave it to our cousin Josh who is about the same age as Jay. Years later I went to their house and the hat was casually hanging off his bedpost. I saw it and was struck with shock, familiarity and a strong nausea. I think I exclaimed or commented on the hat and Josh made some comment about treasuring it. I didn't hear it. I was still in shock. I wonder if he still has it. Josh has since traveled the world, won a Rhodes Scholarship, is now in a great job and has just gotten married. I think of him and Jeremy being similar ages and both of frightening intelligence (and I secretly think Jay would have given Josha a run for his money on the scholarship.)