There were five, as always.

Clarence lifted his cane in greeting.

Eli took his free hand.

The old man’s steps were slow, but his smile wasn’t.

I had once thought the most important thing I could do for him was convince a judge that he deserved mercy.

I understood now that the deeper work was making sure he and Rebecca no longer had to hide their needs behind shame, lies, and lonely acts of sacrifice.

The court had addressed the theft.