My Son Brought

But his shoulders eased.

Just a little.

And sometimes a little is the first honest gift.

Before we left, my mother touched Caleb’s arm.

“I’m glad you came,” she said.

Caleb looked at her.

Then he said, “Me too.”

Outside, snow had begun to fall again.

We walked to the car under the soft white dark, our breath rising in front of us.

As I started the engine, Caleb continue reading …