Eleanor visited with soup and practical suggestions.

She straightened a cushion, asked about my follow-up, and told Ethan he could come to her whenever he needed to talk.

He shook his head.

I thought he wanted to remain near me.

She said he was being stubborn, then softened the word into tired.

I remember asking her to give him time.

“Everyone needs time,” she said.

At that point, I believed we meant the same thing.