Instead, I said what we needed to say now: “You call for help immediately.

Even if someone broke a rule.

Even if you’re embarrassed.

We will deal with the consequences together.”

PART 9

The Night He Finally Slept

The first evening after the hospital, I thought Toby would sleep through dinner.

Instead, I found him sitting on the edge of his bed, holding the old bike light he used to clip onto his handlebars.