{"id":22623,"date":"2026-10-29T19:25:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T19:25:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=22623"},"modified":"2026-10-29T19:25:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T19:25:54","slug":"my-daughter-in-law-uninvited-me-from-christmas-dinner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/?p=22623","title":{"rendered":"\u201cMy daughter-in-law uninvited me from Christmas dinner."},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty-one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">community<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">center?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappointment.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">such<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certainty,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belonged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yours?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bigger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">payment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hoping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">impatiently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cCome<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">huge<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difference.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difference.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breaking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">planning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">landed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dropped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glass.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discussed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discussed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rubbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWell,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">counting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">committed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">since<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arriving,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">falter.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Fear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">staying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">job<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spring.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">having<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trouble<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bills.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">got<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThey\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wants<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bigger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Somewhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">extra<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bedroom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Somewhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">space.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seven-year-old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pictured<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sharing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toys<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">adults<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discussed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bedrooms,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgages,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">manage,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relieved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">criticized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obligated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressured.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wife<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excluded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressured?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flinched.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easier<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appearances.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggling.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upset<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ache<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">settle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bringing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">food<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neighbors,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">friends<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">illnesses,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whenever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">avoid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argument.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wife<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfortable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stomach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tighten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Facebook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">modest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two-story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">porch,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bedrooms<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">growing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sort<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">younger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seller<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYesterday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finalize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proof<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">payment.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cover<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThought?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assistance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty-one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pushed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sharply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">startled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seeing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promises<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">based<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possess,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expectation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">distinguish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seven<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fifteen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excluded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wife\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explanation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">savings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happens<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refuses<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loan?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deposit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">depending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">briefly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">these<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangements?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">genuinely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ashamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Outside,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">branches<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">planted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty-five<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">winter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ten,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shade.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cEverything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worthwhile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">starts<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">probably<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">regret<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excluding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">catch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rubbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">miserable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">counter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">poured<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cups<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">steady,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">although<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cup<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">collecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hockey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">piece,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">player,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">history<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">particular<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">team.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faintly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">objects.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">generosity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">families<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pay<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rent.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choosing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">groceries<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bills.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">familiar<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">homes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">families<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">useful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alone,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">settle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continuing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">revolve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rang.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHello?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clearly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">urgency<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heart<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quickly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">scraped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">transferred<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tighten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cup.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fixed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">please<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sign<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">using<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">set<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cup<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cthere\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">both<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">submitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirmation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">such<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">says<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty-one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unconditional<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">purchase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">move.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commitment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worst<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">generosity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questioned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mattered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repaired.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSomething<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">additional<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gripped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">edge<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">impossible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">married.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">these<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangements<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">week,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSince<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">August.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">August.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grocery<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">store.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter-in-law<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excluded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">presence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">such<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wife<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1din3vl xkh2ocl x16ye13r xqkn89t x1vvogim   xl8spv7\" data-d-component=\"divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">PART<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">3:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">CHRISTMAS<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">SECRET<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THAT<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">BROKE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">OUR<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">FAMILY<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">August,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">except<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ticking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clock<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">during<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trip<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Vermont.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wooden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bird<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hour,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chirped,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hours<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pass<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clock<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struck<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eight,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bird<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">emerged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sang<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unbearable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAugust,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">August?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jacket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pocket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">piece<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paperwork.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">printed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">email<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordinary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">language,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">underlined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">additional<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">must<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirmed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approval.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Joanne<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">funds.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belonged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loan?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discussed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">able<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">get<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">save<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rubbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honestly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">options.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">far.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">studied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wait<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ashamed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sounded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">false.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">require<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reconsider<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wife.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somewhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationships,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">says<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">says<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">email?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">misunderstand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposedly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulders<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slumped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">must<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mixture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">resentment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">depending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instinct<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reassure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smooth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whatever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suffer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instinct<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">job,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suffered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exhaustion,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cooked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meals<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">baby<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">regretted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begun<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fully<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hardship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rescuing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">consequence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cannot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">request.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sign<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obligation.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">punishment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abandonment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boundary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seriously.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNeither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frightened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncertain,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">planned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suddenly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhatever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happens<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honestly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">street.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upstairs,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drawer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desk,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">containing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paperwork<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">auction<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sale<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">statement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deposit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirmation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">record<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">transferred<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">savings<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">account.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notebook,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">date<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gathered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">since<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">death,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grateful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">habit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taught<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keeping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">careful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trust<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clarity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">full<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meaning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sentence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1603h9y xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">barely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">during<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">named<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">greeted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">led<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conference<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMrs.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Miller,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">join<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirm<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">details<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contribution.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">file.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">full<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">address<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twenty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bottom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">similar<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carefully<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">formed.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stroke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Whoever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">practiced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imitate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appearance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signature<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">naturally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throughout<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signature,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certain?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cCompletely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">submitted?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finalized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">submitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evidence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mentioned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notes.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cannot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proceed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">basis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unverified<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commitment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGood,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMrs.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Miller,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cannot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">determine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">require<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">further<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">review.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">record<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">statement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sign<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">funds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cPlease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copies<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">records,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirmed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intention<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guaranteeing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meeting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patricia<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">application<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reviewed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">light<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">information<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provided.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Outside,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">losing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cannot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">building<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rubbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">checked.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">soften<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guaranteed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discovering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">private<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spread<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lie<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dropped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">since<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arriving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">warmth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complete<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1603h9y xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Eve<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Community<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Resource<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Center<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">originally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holiday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">busy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apron<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">peeling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">potatoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">volunteers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tray<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bread<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rolls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cComplicated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">details.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Instead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tray<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">biggest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">messes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faintly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kindness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheerful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Joanne.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">determined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offensive,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">presence<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">advice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sought.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questioned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">often<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgotten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knife,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bowl<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">potatoes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">job<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roasted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vegetables,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chicken,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">soup,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">salads,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dessert<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">young<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">volunteer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">named<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Marcus<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heavy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">canned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">food<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">storage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cabinet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repaired.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yours?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband\u2019s,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fixed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Marcus<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ran<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">along<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wooden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">edge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repairing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Marcus<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSounds<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feeling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grief<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">emotion<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">miss<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reconciliation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">As<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoon<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wore<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">local<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bill.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">volunteer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arranged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">emergency<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accommodation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">retired<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">collect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">groceries<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">manage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">limited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">income.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">These<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">abstract<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">describing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">survive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">since<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donating<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">$31,000<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vanished.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">useful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">warmth,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shelter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">food,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breathing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe\u2019ve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">message<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">announcement,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pass<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">along<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwritten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">card.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mrs.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Miller,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">families<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mine.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apartment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">center<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">catch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rent.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strangers.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feels<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">themselves.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">With<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gratitude,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grateful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">card<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">twice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taught<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">volunteers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dishonored<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">husband\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honored<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1603h9y xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pale<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sunlight<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">layer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">snow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rooftops.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">early,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tea,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">presents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roasting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turkey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">familiar<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">which<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">television<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">program<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loneliness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unbearable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rang.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sounded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exhausted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBadly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confronted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantee,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exclude<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">initially<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">insisted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financially<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">secure,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">received<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">According<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admitted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrassed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents\u2019<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">situation.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">compared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ashamed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">convinced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">herself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">admit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">writing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fingers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">phone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agree.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">charity,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">convinced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">herself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">use<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">settle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easier<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">malice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easier<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disliked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">themselves<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">until<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">becomes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">justification<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unthinkable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cdoes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">starting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gather<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explaining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mattered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tree.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">today<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discussion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">softened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swallowed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tomorrow.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">serving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">community<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lunch,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decorate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tables.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWould<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cOf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thanked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">step<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reconciliation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gesture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">which<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">erase<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1603h9y xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ran<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">soon<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGrandma!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knelt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrapped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arms<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drawing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">snowman.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">announced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stick<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">figures<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crooked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tree.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smaller<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">figure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drawn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">near<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bottom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">purple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWho\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDaddy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">volunteering.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">satisfied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">often<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">While<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrange<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">snowflakes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tables,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">considered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cShe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">herself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arguing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seller<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">extend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deadline,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proceed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">withdraw<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWill<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deposit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recover.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contract<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">complicated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Losing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">painful.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explaining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">situation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relieved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belonged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cFind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somewhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faintly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThat\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">place<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cGo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ahead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cForgiveness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">switch,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">either.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">If<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">genuinely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">takes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">must<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">built<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reddened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cheek,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">called<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">softly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instead<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assuming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embrace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cNo,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shouldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acknowledging<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">caused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1603h9y xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">days<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">porch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">minute<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knocking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">though<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">properly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cJoanne,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201ccould<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speak<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">aside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">edge<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sofa,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clasped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knuckles<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">white.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comfortable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThis<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserve.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honestly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBegin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shaky<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">struggling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">job,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">has<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fine.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nowhere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wiped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">failing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bills,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mentioned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBecause<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interrupting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broke.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excluded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">protecting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrassment.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ache<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easier<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">covered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrote<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smaller.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">copied<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signature<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">birthday<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">card<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">given<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">temporary.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">signature<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">permission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">institution<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excluded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afraid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discover<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sob.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">many<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">versions,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">others,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worst<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moments,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">imagined<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cruel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fraction<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grocery<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">store.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sadness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cRenee,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cdo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">permission<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">crying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">harder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whatever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">use<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agree.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cDo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desperately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty-one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I\u2019m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sign<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">any<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">creates<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obligation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">haven\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">freely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chosen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cIf<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">legal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">consequences<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">letter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">address<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honestly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lie<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">won\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">destroy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandchildren<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistakes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">responsibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cCan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgiveness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretending<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgiveness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deciding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pieces<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">required<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happens<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">next.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lowered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trusted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rather<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gesture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1din3vl xkh2ocl x16ye13r xqkn89t x1vvogim   xl8spv7\" data-d-component=\"divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 xngnso2 xhacrq1 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ENDING:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">GREATEST<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">GIFT<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">WAS<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">NEVER<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">THE<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">MONEY<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">followed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">difficult<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disputed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broker<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seek<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">independent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">advice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">address<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">situation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">properly.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accept<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hoped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">within<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">They<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smaller<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rental<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bedrooms,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">narrow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">backyard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">play.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dreamed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sustainable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">living<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">employment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opportunities<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">community<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">support,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">emotional<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">desperate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">point.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">solve<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problems<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">advice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoons,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordinary<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assumed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">burden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relationship<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">different<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">overnight.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awkward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">defensive,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">caught<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Trust,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">damaged,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">doesn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">return<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cries<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologizes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returns<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repeated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">began<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plans<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rather<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">assuming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disagreements<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arose,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discuss<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">resentment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">painful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speaking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">instead<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">backs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">early<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">February,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">will<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Clare<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">organize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donations<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">winter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shelter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cardboard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">got<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSomething<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">framed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">newly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repaired<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picnic<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">community<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">center.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bags<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">groceries<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">snow.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">In<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">floor<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">group<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teaching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wooden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">haven\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">note<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">piece<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">familiar<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handwriting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x14rh7hd x1k4tb9n xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">If<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wonder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behind,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">count<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Count<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easier.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">blurred.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">written<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">note<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">illness,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sold<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hockey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">collection,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">searching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">known<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yet,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">middle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unfolded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brushed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idiot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Despite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">probably<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stronger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">words.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sound<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">natural.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">became<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">serious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cMom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">angry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mine.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">focused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">actually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">died,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grief<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gather<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mistakes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cBut<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hurt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pocket<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">envelope.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSomething<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">check<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">five<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hundred<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAdam,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">faintly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWe\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">position<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thirty-one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thousand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bills,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rebuild<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">savings.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">check.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Five<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hundred<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dollars<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fraction<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Yet,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">somehow,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deeply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">receive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chosen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAre<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">volunteers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">preparing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understanding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fortunate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opportunities<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYour<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hearing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hope<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hugged<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">since<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repaired.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begun<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repairing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 xce2ely xvmwfg3 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1603h9y xladpa3 x1lliihq x1s688f x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"title\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">following<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">December,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hosted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">favorite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roasted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vegetables,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prepared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">traditional<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pecan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pie,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">set<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silverware<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decades.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrived<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shortly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">four.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dish<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">roasted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">potatoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cI<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you\u2019d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">already<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cso<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">extra.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThere\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">extra<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">potatoes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervously,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inviting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cYou\u2019re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">welcome.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dramatic<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reconciliation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speeches,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promises<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perfect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">carrying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">food,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">removing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coats,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">places<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">napkins<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slices<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pecan<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pie.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clear<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">counter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordinary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ordinary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">During<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glass.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Dad,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cTo<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">echoed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cAnd<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">care<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">filled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keeping<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">making<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrifices,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smoothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disagreements,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">measured<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surrender.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Real<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">required<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">required<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">required<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">climbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">onto<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lap<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">story<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandpa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hockey<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">collection,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yard,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">screwdriver,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">patience,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stubbornness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deliver<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">groceries<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">elderly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neighbors<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fix<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">furniture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Westdale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sitting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">repairing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wooden<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Grandpa<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nice?\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rich?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cHe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">valuable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cLike<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cSometimes.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">valuable<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weren\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cWhat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kissed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">top<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cKindness.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Patience.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easiest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Adam<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speaking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Renee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Noah\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">free<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pain<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">caused<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">none<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">easily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">buy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cannot<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guarantee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">An<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apology<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">only<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">behavior<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">open.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deep,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">person\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">freedom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">night,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Outside,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">snow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drifted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">$31,000.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Instead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confront<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">avoiding:<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entitlement,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fear,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">silence,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dangerous<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belief<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rescue<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">magically<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fixed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">revealed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">broken.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">clearly,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">begin<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frame<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">\u201cThank<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you,\u201d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sure<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thanking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memories,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lessons,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shared.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thanking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">off<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">light<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn\u2019t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">empty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">peaceful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">last,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">refusing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">away<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">given<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opportunity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discover<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">greatest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">son<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">$31,000.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">become<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choices,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entitled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">receive.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">greatest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">courage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remember<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">widow,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">woman<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">financing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">every<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dream.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forgetting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">keep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Walter\u2019s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">memory<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sacrificing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dignity<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Christmas,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">along:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">family<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">obligation,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guilt.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">held<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">honesty,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respect,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">willingness<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">freely,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sometimes,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">most<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mother<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everything\u2014and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">give<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chance<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">End.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cYou gave all of it away?\u201d he demanded. \u201cAll thirty-one thousand dollars.\u201d \u201cTo a community center?\u201d \u201cTo Westdale.\u201d He stared at me. \u201cMom, that was &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,15,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-inspiration","category-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22623"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22624,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22623\/revisions\/22624"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/16740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22623"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingmydairy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}