Theo had left a toy whale under the table.

It was the most valuable place I’d ever lived.

PART 21

Theo’s first birthday arrived with blue balloons tied to the fence and a cake that leaned slightly to one side.

Frank had insisted on making the cake himself.

He decorated it with a crooked sailboat because he said every child needed something to steer toward.

Maya brought fruit and a camera.

Eleanor sent a picture book with a note wishing Theo a life full of questions and people willing to answer them.