“I honestly don’t know,” she admitted, a slight catch in her voice. “Maybe it was his way of trying to make amends, to help you in some way. He always had a soft spot for family, even if he didn’t show it. The fact that he went to see you every week… it means something.”

I thought back to all the Sundays—his familiar nod, the kind smile. The realization that he’d been quietly watching over me brought a warmth and a sorrow I couldn’t quite describe.