He had sat at this exact kitchen table for hours while my daughters cried, helping them finish their hard math homework because I was too numb to make sense of numbers or simple sentences.

When Daisy had terrible nightmares about the crash, Austin came over himself to check every lock and window in our house so the girls would feel safe.

When I couldn’t bring myself to set foot in my sons’ empty bedroom, Austin gently helped me pack their clothes and toys into storage boxes.

He had been endlessly patient when I was emotionally distant, deeply understanding when I lashed out in anger, and unwavering in his kindness when I had nothing left to give.

Over time, he had gradually become so much more than a family friend to us.