Chapter 44

My voice beaming, I say, “Bret. This is lovely.”

He grins. “I saw you eyeing it at Antiques & Lore last week. Every good writer needs one.” He pauses. “I also wanted to drop by and thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help.”

I reach out and hug him. “Nobody can change the course of your life except you. You are more resilient than you realize.”

He looks down at the ground and back up at me, his eyes glazed with tears. “I’m really sorry for treating you like shit last year. I feel like an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot. You’re growing into a bright young man who cares about others. The world could use more thoughtful people like you.”

His expression is one of curiosity. He nods, grinning.

“I appreciate you coming here today,” I say.

He shifts awkwardly in his size twelve boots. I see he has something to say. But he remains silent. “Bret, what is it?”

“Mmm?”

“Something on your mind?”