I'm not sure if such a formal declaration is necessary with all friendships, just those with people from the early twentieth century, or just those with Sybil, I kind of like it. It doesn't leave any room for wondering where you stand. Very practical.

"I sort of have two brothers," I say after a moment, feeling like after all that, I owe her something about my personal life. "One of them died and the other is... it's complicated."