It was still modest, with mismatched chairs and a small kitchen, but the heating worked, the boys had space for their books, and the balcony held a row of stubborn winter herbs.

Preston came with a board game, a set of beginner telescopes, and a bag of oranges.

He brought no surprise luxury purchase, no camera crew, and no expectation that his presence should be the center of the evening.

Frank arrived with bread.

Mrs.

Alvarez carried tamales wrapped in clean towels.

Naomi’s friend Lena brought a homemade pie.

Eli proudly read the place cards he had made, using elaborate stars instead of punctuation.