Over the next several days, we spend much of our time in the library. I read through the love story while Dominik rests his head on my lap, listening and occasionally falling asleep. Whenever he wakes up, he’s apologetic and embarrassed, but I assure him that I don’t mind.

When I finally finish the story, Dominik sits there, staring off into the room blankly. I close the book and place it on the table. I’m about to stand up and find another book, when Dominik places his ...