Naomi watched him crouch beside Eli to repair a torn string.

She remembered the man who had once said that everything worth having required a strategy, then dismissed her work because it was not financially impressive.

This man was still capable of making mistakes.

But he apologized faster.

He asked questions.

He arrived when he said he would.

When the boys ran to the playground, she sat beside him on the bench.

“I need to say something difficult,” she began.