After court, a reporter called me a reformed businessman.

I disliked the word.

Reform wasn’t a certificate issued after a few good decisions.

It was the difficult work of making them when nobody applauded.

That weekend I helped Megan organize a small birthday gathering for the twins.

Hazel’s health meant we kept the guest list short.

Ruth brought homemade cupcakes; children from the cooperative arrived with paper crowns.

The boys were old enough to be fascinated by ribbons and more interested in wrapping paper than presents.