The following morning, Dominik is well enough to stand and walk downstairs. I help him, allowing him to lean on my shoulders as I lead him down each step and over to a chair. He thanks me, breathing out heavily as he sits down.

“Do you think you’ll be okay to attend the announcement?” I ask.

He nods, smiling up at me. “As long as I do not have to do anything physical, I shall be fine.”

I smile back and pet his head. We planned to give the ...