I wondered how many of our memories occupied different shapes in different minds.

That evening Brian sent another email, this time asking whether he could attend the school mathematics showcase the following month.

I talked to both boys separately.

Nathan said he might not mind if Brian sat quietly near the back.

Zachary said he would rather not know Brian was there at all.

We considered the options.

Neither child should have to sacrifice a school event to manage his father’s emotions.

In the end Nathan agreed to send Brian a recording afterward, if he still wanted to.