That afternoon, when the other guests drifted toward the playground and the sun softened behind the trees, Tobias and I stayed at the picnic table.

“I’ve been thinking about that first day in the hospital,” he said.

“So have I.”

“I almost didn’t come into your room.

I stood outside with the cross in my hand and told myself the timing was terrible.”

“It was.”

He laughed.

“I thought you’d be angry that I had access to your medical records.