They sat by the window with coffee.
There was still awkwardness between them.
Some wounds did not disappear because people apologized.
But the silence had changed.
It was no longer the silence of avoidance.
It was the quiet of two people learning how to remain present.
One afternoon, Logan brought Albert a folder.
“What’s this?”
Albert asked.
“The business financial plan.”
Albert raised an eyebrow.
“You’re showing me voluntarily?”
“I’m asking you to review it if you want to.”
“Do you want me to?”
“I want your opinion.
I don’t want you to feel responsible for the decision.”
Albert opened the folder.
“I can do that.”
Logan leaned back.
“I’m trying to learn the difference.”
Albert looked at his son over the top of the pages.
“That difference will serve you well.”
Outside, a group of retired teachers gathered in the courtyard for a gardening workshop.
