He had presented himself, to the hospital and to me, as a man completely alone, without a soul in the world.

And now I was learning that he had once had a wife, and twins, and a whole full life.

“Lily’s favorite thing in the world,” Arthur went on, “was that red dress.

Julian made it for her, with his own hands, for her fifth birthday.” He paused, gathering himself.

“But that winter, a tragedy struck the family.

A fire, caused by a faulty heating unit, swept through their home in the night.

Julian got his wife out.