That was just beautiful. The relationship between the brothers was so perfectly illustrated. I loved Don's alternating irritation of and wistfulness for his so-very-different little brother. I was very impressed by the way you showcased how Charlie's growing up was so logical, and how that's both happy and sad--for Charlie and for the people who love him. And this:

"You know,"Don said, his expression distant, "I think at that minute, she would have given just about anything in the world to open that acorn and find a gnome inside for you."
Judging by the look on his face, maybe Don would have, too.

was just perfect. You could just *feel* Don in those lines. So yeah, wow. Great job!