sweet.
For the first time, Dean’s tree no longer felt like something I needed to protect alone.
It had become part of something larger.
Ryan remained inside for most of the afternoon.
I did not invite him, but I did not ask anyone to exclude him either.
Near the end of the celebration, two children carried a paper plate to his front door. A slice of apple pie rested on it beside a cup of cider.
Ryan opened the door and looked at the children.
Then he looked across the
