“I know.

I was a coward.

I have been lazy and selfish for four months.”

I did not reach across the table to touch his shoulder.

I did not offer him a paper towel or tell him it was going to be all right.

“Are you calling Alan Vance at eight o’clock?” I asked.

Ethan wiped his face with the back of his sleeve and looked up at me.

“Yes.”