I let the affection I felt, which I always tended to suppress, show in the smile I gave him. “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me and Ralph—especially Ralph. You took the time and taught him how to read and write so he could have a chance at reaching his dreams. You gave us a place to call home for the first time, and showed us that not all Palatians are bad.” I shot him a playful look and he chuckled. “You’ve been like a father to both of us, and for that, we ...