“It was open to families,” I answered, without accusation.

He nodded.

He had missed it because he had made another commitment and had not changed it in time.

I no longer covered for him or exaggerated his efforts.

I trusted Selena to notice what he did and did not do.

As he turned to leave, he stopped beside the door.

“Your work matters,” he said.

“I should have told you that years ago.”