When we return, Nic says that it’s time for him to go to his room. We walk with him a little way down the corridor. He holds on to my arm. He feels almost weightless, as if he could lift from earth. We all awkwardly hug. “Good luck,” I say. “Take care of yourself.” “Thanks, Papa. Thanks, KB.” “I love you,” Karen says. “I love you, too.” He looks at me and says, “Everything.” Tears flow.
