“It's a lovely morning, isn't it?”

Ethan Vicky Paul, and I were outside playing with Rowan when I saw Soren’s familiar form walking slowly toward us

My stomach twisted into knots. For some reason, I knew that he had something important to say to us, and the way he was walking made me think that, whatever it was, I wasn't going to like it. Rowan waved and said, “Uncky!” his attempt to say uncle. It was adorable, and Soren'’s face lit up. He went over to his nephew and carefully stopped the swing Vicky had been pushing.

“You're such a smart little guy,” Soren said. He bent down and kissed...