Autumn in Naperville is a show-off.

Gold leaves, a swing set that needed tightening, Leo running with the specific pride of an older brother who has decided the job suits him, Maya tottering with the serious joy of a person who has only recently chosen walking.

David brought iced tea to the patio and stood with his hand at my waist.

We watched our children as if watching were a vow.

The road had been long.

It had also been ordinary in the ways that heal: grocery lists, a first tooth, a brother who learned how to video-call a baby without crying every time.