He thanked the teacher and asked a few questions about the class reading list.

He didn’t apologize for using his cane or launch into a long explanation of his condition.

Sadie had given him a way to be present without making his illness the entire conversation.

Afterward we stopped at a small park.

Sadie ran ahead to the swings, and Callum and I found a bench where we could watch her.

“I thought everyone would stare,” he said.

“Some people might.