On Owen’s first birthday, Dana filled our apartment with paper stars.

Helen brought a small homemade sweater she had worked on for weeks, though it was already a little too short at the sleeves.

Mr.

Shah sent a card signed by everyone on my team.

Vincent arrived with a board book about ships after asking what Owen needed.

I had told him the truth: the child needed very little besides people who were dependable.

The book was a thoughtful answer.