He looked nervous.

“I know I don’t deserve to ask for anything,” he said.

“But I wanted to tell you I’m proud of you.”

I looked toward the gathering.

Ruth was arguing cheerfully with Silas about where to place the cake.

These were people who had shown up when there was nothing to gain.

“I’m glad you came,” I said.

“But I need you to keep proving those words through your choices.”