“Twenty-six years practicing law, and this is the first time sparklers have had their own line in a restitution discussion.”

I laughed again, then stopped when I saw Robert’s update beneath the schedule.

The absurdity did not make the rest less serious.

It gave me one moment in which seriousness wasn’t the only thing in the room.

A few days later, Megan met me in the rehabilitation lounge at Riverside Medical Center.

My appointments were farther apart now, and I could move more easily, though I still used the supports my care team recommended.

She carried coffee and sat across from me.