I studied his face, the same face that had watched me learn to ride a bicycle, graduate school, and walk down the aisle.

He had never claimed to be perfect.

He had simply kept showing up.

“I want Theo to know the difference,” I said.

“He will.

You’ll teach him by living it.”

I stayed by the crib a little longer.

Theo slept with one hand curled beside his cheek, unaware of the lawyers and family histories gathering around his name.