Stealing groceries had made him feel able to contribute without asking permission.

“You could have helped with homework,” I said.

“I see that now.

But shame makes a narrow hallway out of a wide world.”

By the end of the month, we had a working meal-delivery route, safe food storage, and a childcare schedule.

None of it was glamorous.

The repaired refrigerator hummed loudly.

Hector’s handwriting covered the calendar margins.