Wednesday 6:53 A.M.
Before Brian came downstairs, Paul was helping Jeff make breakfast.
The youngster asked, “I heard you guys on the porch last night. Is Brian okay?”
“You were awake?”
“I heard you guys’ voices, but I couldn’t understand what you said. Is he okay?”
“Yes.”
“What’s wrong?”
“That’s something for him to tell you if and when he’s ready, and it is not something for you to pester him about. Now or ever.”
Jeff looked at his dad. “It must be bad.”
“Your brother is a good man. He’s fine. I want you to drop it as of now. Okay?”
“Okay.”
When Brian came downstairs, he no longer looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.