Simon knew I would want to help.

He might have hoped I would become Leo’s guardian.

He had also written that I could stop.

I needed to make that permission real, even if I ultimately chose to go forward.

The financial review took place alongside those conversations.

I spoke with the relevant professionals about Simon’s estate, the insurance claims, the house debt, and Leo’s trust.

They obtained confirmations rather than relying on the headings in his laptop.

The policies and beneficiary arrangements were checked.