“Sometimes it’s more difficult to have a different version of a loved one than to not have them at all.”

How many years had that been true with his father? With Wilhere? But he can’t learn that for David anymore than David can make Josh see what he sees. He’s not going to be able to convince David tonight to value himself tonight.

“Friends not being accessible when we need them is miserable, regardless of the mechanism. I’m so sorry my love. I wish I could offer you more than my agreement that this pain is heavy.

“And I’m going to add to your burdens for a moment, so forgive me, but how could this deal affect you? Because I very much need you, and I need you to be safe.”