He’d been helping with repairs and errands, driving to appointments when I needed him, and bringing groceries during Walter’s final weeks.

Roman had always wanted to be useful.

As a child, he couldn’t stand watching someone repair something without offering advice.

As an adult, that habit became his way of taking charge.

When the washing machine broke, Roman arranged a repair before I’d finished checking the warranty.

When a bill arrived, he offered to pay it online.

When Walter became ill, Roman began collecting documents.

I’d been grateful.