It was something he could still earn, which forgiveness is not.

And to his credit, in the months he had left, he did it, every word, and asked for nothing back.

Deirdre walked us to the car and pulled Cody into a fierce embrace.

“Your father is so proud of the brave young man you are,” she whispered into his hair.

Hours down the interstate, Cody dug the crumpled gray handkerchief out of his backpack.

“Mom.