Dom has opened a nursery full of rare plants and started a YouTube channel helping others to channel their efforts into growing the most finicky varieties. One of his special skills has turned out to be growing very spicy chilis, and he's working on developing his own hot sauce line (which he has other people test on his behalf, and he takes their word for it). He particularly enjoys helping people grow their own food in their gardens, and hopesthat for some people this means they will never know true hunger again. He still enjoys violent video games, and breaks skulls on the side as needed. I can't wait for you to meet him.
Brick and Slade have partnered on a culinary project exploring vegan cooking. Slade secretly holds meat-based popups, and thinks Brick doesn't know about them. Brick secretly uses the popups to lure deserving victims and murders them when Slade isn't looking. Neither of them asks any questions, but Slade does wonder why the number of guests often dwindles over the course of the event. I'm deciding whether I want to get involved by telling one or both of them, but for now I'll just let things play out…
Skyler’s surfing business continues to take off. He has a range of beachy merch that represents his love for the ocean, and of course, prominently features snakes. A percentage of all sales goes to a charity that helps young people on the islands. He now wears his father's legacy as a badge of honor, and part of who he is, but firmly realizes he is his own person, and that's all anybody ever expected him to be.
Angel's and my athleisure range is thriving. Focused on strong, badass women, the range is trendy, size-inclusive, and of course, edgy. We plan on expanding our empire in ways that help women to feel comfortable in their skin and do whatever it is that brings them joy.
Zeke is content running the Snake's operations from a business perspective, spending his days just how he likes them—wading through spreadsheets and other documents, with plenty of quality time set aside to spend with me.
Aria's has taken off way beyond expectations, and Aria is expanding her concept to each of the islands. Her signature booze-free drinks are one of the most popular menu items, and she's working on developing a ready-to-drink version which will be available in stores everywhere. She's been invited to appear on Shark Tank, which the guys find hilarious given the name. I'll send you some samples when they're available.
Florian's band is doing well. One of their songs just became part of a viral trend on social media, and he tries to avoid watching people turn his song into skits and choreographed dances. You should check it out on YouTube. I'll send you the link as soon as I mail this.
Anyway,that was a lot. I hope one day you can visit and meet everyone, and see some of this for yourself.
Remember that no matter how far away you are, I see you and I love you, and am always here for you,
Devon xx
Smiling to myself, I tuck the letter into the envelope and place it in my purse to mail later today. So many exciting things going on all around. For the first time in a long time, I feel hope and excitement for what will happen next.
Rake
I visit the cemetery on the anniversary of my brother's death, clutching a bouquet of his favorite flowers. The grief still gnaws at me, but it's less sharp than before. Therapy has helped me understand that children under poor supervision are prone to accidents. My pain is valid, yet now is the time to move forward.
I've started doing stand-up comedy, channeling my trauma into humor on open mic nights. The crowds are small but appreciative. Their laughter eases my soul. My brother would be proud to see me transforming hardship into healing.
Though shadows of our pasts still loom, rays of light now pierce through. We've found constructive outlets for our pain and new purpose in uplifting others. The future shimmers with promise. Our bonds remain unbroken, ready to explore life's next chapters together. For the first time in long while, a sense of hope and inner peace blossoms within me. I am a good person, and I am enough. I'm also hella fucking funny.
Skyler
The salty oceanbreeze ruffles my hair as I gaze out at the shimmering turquoise waves. It's a perfect morning to catch some barrels. After waxing down my board, I paddle out, waiting for the next set.
A smooth swell rises, and I spring to my feet, dropping in. The wave walls up, and I carve across its face, feeling the pull of the barrel as it forms around me. For a few seconds, I'm enveloped in aquatic bliss.
Surfing keeps me centered these days, just like it always has. My merch business is blowing up, peddling board shorts, bikinis, and other beach swag prominently featuring snakes and representing a shared love and respect for the ocean. Sales benefit island youth charities, paying forward my good fortune.
I've made peace with my past. My father's choices no longer define me—well, they never really did. That was all in my head. His reckless legacy is now my badge of honor and a cautionary tale. I'm my own man, living each day to its fullest, and I've never felt more free.
The wave spits me out and I kick out, watching it crash in a cascade of white water. Back on the sand, I'm greeted by whoops and cheers. My friends await, their surfboards underarm, ready to seize the day. A wide smile spreads across my face. This island paradise will always be my home, and these brothers, my family. As we all charge towards the surf, my only thoughts are of the next waveand new beginnings.
Aidan
I glance up from the spreadsheets scattered across my desk as Angel bursts into my office, her face glowing with excitement.
"The new athleisure samples just arrived!" she exclaims. "These turned out even better than I imagined."
She holds up a sports bra and leggings set in sleek black fabric with metallic snake print accents. I can't help but grin, knowing our clothing line is about to slay the market.
"It's perfect," I say. "Sexy yet functional. Edgy with a hint of glam. Our customers are going to go wild over these."
Angel nods enthusiastically. "This is only the beginning too. Once sales take off, we'll expand into shoes, bags, swimwear. Anything to make badass women feel like the goddesses they are."
Her passion is contagious. When she and Devon first dreamt up this business, their vision was clothing designed to boost confidence. Seeing their creation come to life is beyond rewarding.
"I'm proud of you, Valkyrie." I pull Angel close and plant a kiss on her forehead. "Now go get changed. We need some fierce promo shots of you rocking your threads."
As she heads to the changing room, I turn back to my desk, sifting through paperwork. Running the Brixton's operations is my forte, though paperwork isn't glamorous. But seeing Angel thrive makes it all worthwhile. Her joy is mine. For her, I'd happily spend a lifetime swimming through spreadsheets.