You were never responsible for holding it together.”

He looked down at his sneakers.

“I thought if I didn’t show it, the judge would think you were bad.”

I held out my arms and let him decide whether he wanted a hug.

He stepped forward and pressed his face against my shoulder.

“You should never have had to carry that worry,” I whispered.

“I’m sorry we put you in that position.”

We stood like that until the dog pushed between us, demanding attention.