He stood awkwardly near the kitchen counter while Parker raced to show him the treasure-map clues.

For a little while our son’s excitement filled the spaces where our anger used to sit.

We played the game.

The prize was a small collection of polished stones and a compass.

Parker declared the compass a machine for finding the moon.

Grant laughed.

I laughed too, surprised that the sound didn’t feel like a betrayal of myself.

After the guests left, Grant helped carry paper plates to the trash.