“Here you go, Mom,” he said, his voice soft and polite.

I slid my arms into the dark wool sleeves and pulled my eyes away from the blue velvet cloth.

Julian smoothed the collar over my shoulders with gentle fingers.

“Drive home safe,” he said, holding the front door open for me.

“I’ll see you Monday afternoon,” I said, stepping out onto the cold wooden porch.

Julian stood in the open doorway with a warm smile, looking out into the damp evening air.

He gave me one last gentle nod, pulled the heavy wooden door closed, and locked the deadbolt behind me.