On one page, written beside a routine meeting, Walter had underlined a sentence: Call Thomas.

Ask if he’s eaten.

I sent back a photograph of my soup with the message: He started a very good habit.

Thomas replied with a smiling face.

We did not need to add anything more.

The next morning our office was warm again.

The staff returned, the phone rang, and a parent waiting for a workshop asked where she could leave her stroller.

Nadine showed her a safe place beside the reception desk.