18  On the day of Patrick’s college graduation, Michael told me he was taking me somewhere.  It was a small, quiet park on the outskirts of the city.  I remembered…

17  When Patrick was in his final year of middle school, Michael fell victim to a mid-life crisis and was laid off.  That night, he cooked an elaborate dinner. In…

  16  I took Patrick’s hand and walked out. On our way down the stairs, we ran into Michael, hauling a heavy ba  of rice.  He asked where I was…

  15  After Michael left, the grandparents made no move to speak with Patrick alone.  The four of us just sat there in the living room, staring at each other…

4  The moment Patrick’s grandparents saw me, their faces fell.  ‘atrick dutifully greeted them. “Grandpa, Grandma.”  Michael went to the kitchen with his father-in-law to cook, leaving me in the…

13  On New Year’s Eve, after much planning, I decided I was going to make a special dessert for Patrick.  The next morning, I woke up, rolled over, and screamed….

  12  Since Michael was away and I didn’t know Patrick’s grandparents well, I decided to take Patrick to my paren- ts’ house for the holidays.  On Christmas morning, as…

11  3/12  I called Michael back to let him know Patrick was fine and that he didn’t need to worry.  “With you there, I’m not worried about him.”  His gaze…

10  The following Sunday, Michael managed to find time to call.  I aimed the phone’s camera at Patrick. He was bent over, bum in the air, diligently scooping the litter…

  9  I woke up in the middle of the night, thirsty. When I came back from the kitchen, I found a little stowaway in my bed.  He was wearing…