Lucas swallowed.

“I’m sorry.”

Mom did not smile to make him feel better.

“I need to rest now.”

We took her to the guest room.

She sat on the edge of the firm bed, reached toward the lamp, and turned it on.

For such a small action it carried enormous meaning.

That night I slept in the guest room on a comfortable chair that folded out into a cot, close enough to hear Marian if she needed me.