Inside was the blue ceramic mug Vanessa had once used for his tea. A crack ran along its side, repaired with a line of gold-colored resin.

Nora approached nervously. “Lily found it in storage. I told her it might be inappropriate.”

Graham turned the mug in his hands. On the bottom, Lily had painted two small hands. What does the gold mean? he signed.

Broken things can still be useful.

Graham’s throat tightened. Who taught you that? Lily pointed at him. He laughed. The sound reached him imperfectly, but it reached him.

Lily touched his hearing aid. Can you hear me now?