“Oh, the librarian’s niece! Yes, I’m familiar,” Dad said excitedly. “She always seemed like such a sweet girl. I’m glad you two hit it off.”

Yeah, he was far more at ease now. Talking about the good that happened today made me feel better, too—enough that I fully sat up and felt a bit of energy fill my chest. This was exactly what I needed right now. Whatever bad things happened today faded to the background as I went over my school schedule with Dad. It was honestly the ...