The pediatric nurse who had helped them in the earliest weeks sent a card.

After the last guest left, the boys asked for one final present.

They wanted their father to read them the pirate story he had started in the hospital.

“We already know what happens,” Kenneth said.

“That’s the point,” Owen replied.

“We like it.”

I sat on the porch while he read inside, listening to the rhythm of a family that had once been nearly silent with fear.

Later, Kenneth joined me beneath the porch light.