Willa’s fifth birthday took place on a Saturday in a community hall decorated with paper stars.

Elena had asked me not to turn it into a spectacle.

No lavish gifts, no press, no photographers.

I brought a small telescope approved by Elena and a handmade card with a crooked drawing of Captain Buttons wearing a space helmet.

Willa ran to me as soon as I entered.

“Daddy Preston!

You came!”

“I told you I would.”