himself protectively between them and Dad.
At baggage claim, he retrieved our suitcase.
Then he held up his phone.
“My mother’s asking if she can see you.”
A woman with silver hair appeared on the screen.
She began crying the moment Dad came into view.
“Mr. Hayes? It’s Carol. Do you remember me?”
Dad held the phone with both hands.
“You wore a blue coat.”
Carol laughed through her tears.
“I still have that coat. I’ve kept it all these years.”
They spoke for several minutes.
I stepped aside with
