Chapter 4: The Invite

The next morning, Jon opened the door, then froze.

Bob and Mark stood side by side on his porch.

“Holy shit,” Jon muttered, blinking. “Okay. Wow. I thought I was prepared, but damn.”

Bob smirked. “Yeah, it’s a lot.”

Jon shook his head, grinning. “No kidding. I feel like I’m seeing double.” His eyes flicked back and forth between them, taking in every identical detail—the same thick beards flecked with silver, the same burly, powerful builds, the same stance, even the same way they both tilted their heads slightly as they watched his reaction.

They were identical. More than Jon had even expected. It wasn’t just that they looked alike—they moved alike. Stood alike. Even their quiet confidence felt mirrored.

Mark chuckled. “You get used to it.”

Jon let out a breath, still staring. “I don’t know, man. This is wild. I mean, I knew you were twins, but in person, it’s kind of surreal.”

Bob shrugged. “Been this way for 54 years.”

Jon’s gaze lingered, unable to help himself. Big, broad, and built like they could still throw someone across a football field. Even their voices were nearly the same, deep and steady.

Mark smirked. “Some people handle it better than others.”

Jon let out a laugh. “Yeah? What’s the usual reaction?”

Bob scratched his beard. “A mix of fascination and dumb questions.”

Mark nodded. “Sometimes people act like we’re a sideshow act. Or they get weird about us living together. They assume it means we’re co-dependent or that something’s off about it.”

Jon raised an eyebrow. “That’s ridiculous. People can be so insensitive.”

Bob smirked. “Yeah. Fun times.”

Jon shook his head. “For the record, I think it’s cool. You’ve been through a lot together. No shame in that. Some people would love a connection like that.”

Bob and Mark exchanged a look—something unspoken passing between them.

Jon stretched. “Well, I guess this is it, huh? The project’s done.”

Bob hesitated, then cleared his throat. “Actually, we were wondering something.”

Jon tilted his head. “Yeah?”

Mark rubbed the back of his neck. “Look, we don’t get out much. We’ve been trying to meet some new people, you know ... make some good friends.”

Bob nodded. “You seem like a nice guy. We were thinking—if you’re up for it—maybe we could all go on a hike sometime.”

Jon’s brows lifted. “A hike?”

Mark nodded. “Yeah. There’s a spot we like—not too crowded, great view at the top.”

Bob crossed his arms. “No pressure, but we figured we’d ask.”

Jon smiled. “You know what? That actually sounds great.”

Bob and Mark both seemed a little surprised but pleased.

“Yeah?” Bob asked.

“Yeah,” Jon said, still grinning. “Could use a good hike.”

Mark smirked. “Alright then. Let’s do it.”

Jon clapped his hands together. “Perfect. Just try not to break my brain with all the twin stuff on the way up.”

Bob chuckled. “No promises.”

And with that, the invitation was set.