She had been staying in his house for nearly two weeks. The fever had broken days ago, but the doctor had still ordered rest, light food, and someone to help her with the basics until her strength returned. Her parents were abroad on a long work assignment. That left him—her mother’s older brother, the only relative close enough to take her in without question.

He moved through the rooms with quiet certainty. Every morning he brought her warm water and a clean towel. He helped her sit up when her arms still trembled. He held the spoon when she insisted she could feed herself and then quietly took it back the moment her hand shook. He told her it was only temporary. Family looks after its own.