If he had been unkind in every moment, I would have found it easier to recognize what I had been avoiding.

Noah asked whether we were having a family dinner.

“Yes,” Evan said, looking at me before returning to him.

During the meal, I passed peas and rolls while Evan asked about kindergarten.

Noah described a teacher’s green sweater and his new drawing: two doors so everybody could get into the house.

“Practical,” Evan said.

The boy pointed with his fork.

“Grandma needs the blue door.”