I Woke After 11 Days and Found My 9-Year-Old Grandson Asleep Beside My Hospital Bed—Then He Whispered, “Pretend You’re Still in a Coma”

David’s death had taught Walter that people disappear.

Lisa’s threats had taught him adults could use belonging as leverage.

I wanted our home to teach something different.

You can be wrong.

You can upset me.

You can fail a test.

Break a lamp.

Lie.