“Hi… Scott,” I said, clutching the phone with both hands because they won’t stop shaking. “Um… I need to ask you something.” 

There was a soft exhale on the other side, like he was smiling through stress. “Of course. Whatever you need, just tell me.” 

My mother leaned forward with her eyebrows raised as if she was prepared to snatch the phone from me if I hesitated. 

“I’m… really happy you helped me come here,” I began carefully. “Seeing my ...