“Dad,” said Will, his voice very faint. “Are you a good person?” “To you and your mother, yes, I try. But no man’s a hero to himself. I’ve lived with me a lifetime, Will. I know everything worth knowing about myself—” “And, adding it all up . . .?” “The sum? As they come and go, and I mostly sit very still and tight, yes, I’m all right.” “Then, Dad,” asked Will, “why aren’t you happy?” “The front lawn at . . . let’s see . . . one-thirty in the morning . . . is no place to start a philosophical . . .” “I just wanted to know is all.”
