“I resented you for being okay,” I said. “You were never okay. I just needed you to be, so I didn’t have to feel it.”

He nodded against my neck. I held him tighter.

When the crying eased, I asked him, “Why did Ivy think Rachel was paying you to cry?”

Emotionalwellness products

Nolan sighed heavily. “She came into the garage one day while I was having a session via video call. She overheard us talking about payment, and crying, and I guess she got confused.”

I chuckled then. I could not help it. “Typical kid, huh?”

Nolan nodded.

The next morning, I called Rachel’s office and asked if she took couples.

Weeks later, the three of us planted a small maple tree in the backyard for Eli.

Afterward, Nolan knelt in the dirt and cried without covering his face