We reached my blue SUV, parked near the sidewalk.

Ethan laid the poster board flat in the trunk, making sure nothing was pressing against the balsa wood struts.

He closed the hatch gently and turned around to face his sons.

“You did exceptional work today, Lucas,” Ethan said.

“Thank you,” Lucas said.

Ethan held out his right hand to Lucas and shook it with a steady, quiet grip.

He stepped over to Henry and shook his hand.

He shook hands with Sam and then Jack, looking each of his four sons in the eye.