what he 'd done for me was something that did n't fade with time or distance . it 's a question you 'd ask an acquaintance , not your son . after a long while , i set the phone on the counter and crossed to the couch . are you sure your editor will allow you to come ? i reached the hallway at the end of the first hall and realized i did n't have a plan . the word balanced on my tongue but i swallowed . 