Richard

I was still lost in these dark, satisfying thoughts when my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen and felt genuine warmth flood through me for the first time in days. Henry. My oldest friend and business partner.

“Hi, buddy,” I said, answering on the first ring. “How are you?”

“Richard! It’s been far too long.” Henry’s voice was warm. “I’m good. Just missing you, that’s all.”

I smiled—a real smile this time, not the fake mask I wore for May. “Missing me? ...