By Peyton Brehm

Take a moment to consider what twins are. Set aside any stereotypes of matching outfits or the finishing of each other’s sentences, and focus on the true essence of the undeniably close familial bond. What comes to mind? No doubt the shared experiences and individual lives lived in parallel as, in this case, brother and brother or brother and sister. For Benton natives Willis and Rachel Morris and Trey and Chance Norman, this is their reality.

These two sets of twins share more than just a name or a genetic identity, they share the experience of growing up with the one who understands them as no one else can. On one end of the spectrum, we see Trey and Chance Norman. These two remarkable young men are an undeniable example of an durable brotherly bond. Bound at the hip not simply by genetics, but their passions, Trey and Chance have decided to take their middle school years by storm. “[We] like going to our classes… because obviously we like our schedule,” says the dynamic Trey. These twins don’t merely share a love for school, though. When it comes to determining the true binding factor of these loyal brothers, the clear answer is golf. “Right after school, we try to go golf as soon as we can,” they say. And with every swing of a club, these brothers learn not just a sense of athletic discipline but a strengthening of their brotherhood. Whether or not a professional stint with the PGA awaits the pair, what will be remembered are their lessons from the green; And, let’s face it, whoever has scored the better round.

On the other hand, Willis Morris makes it perfectly clear where he and his twin, Rachel, stand in comparison, saying “[Being a twin] is really hard sometimes… because Rachel and I are polar opposites.” Unlike her technologically and scientifically adept sibling, Rachel discusses her admiration for language and literature with piqued interest while raving over astoundingly talented chefs. Willis speaks highly of his field of choice: mechanical engineering. He says, “I’m interested in the things I can solve in life.” For the STEM-intrigued and the artistically gifted twins, any form of parallel identity isn’t really the point. However, what if we told you that their middle ground wasn’t a particular hobby or a certain forum, but rather a couple of seats on the couch in the living room, and a movie they’ve both agreed on? Well, don’t worry, we were shocked too. For the Morris twins, all they need to truly bond is a bucket of popcorn and their favorite film. In a shocking twist of irony, it seems the simplest solution is where they connect on a common thread that is anything but!

Clearly, a round of golf at the country club or shared movietime isn’t enough to resolve every dispute between these two fascinatingly diverse sets of twins. But in most cases, these families know where to look for some common ground. Trey and Chance Norman are both keenly aware of their similarities, but what exists below the surface is what truly brings them together. A shared destiny and purpose can unite, though not quite like the differences in their personalities. Fraternals Willis and Rachel are, on the contrary, a personified juxtaposition. From science vs. humanities to mechanics vs. culinary arts, a mountain of contradictions between the two may be found. But all it takes is one invisible string, regardless of circumstance, to create the strongest of bonds.