Marcus knew where I was; Daniel knew that if I felt uncomfortable, I would leave.

He arrived early and stood when I came in.

He had no gifts and no speeches prepared.

He asked about my health.

I told him my breathing had improved with treatment and a smoke-free home, though I still needed regular checkups.

He told me about his job, the house, and the ways he’d changed his spending.

Then he stopped and looked down at his hands.

“I used to think providing money made me a good son,” he said.