I was worn-out from worrying and utterly exhausted. Every single night, as I made that walk home, I wondered what I’d find when I opened the apartment door.

“Come on,” Calvin said gently, rising to his full height. “Let me put this up in my room and I’ll meet you in the lobby in a few minutes.”

I was seated opposite Calvin in the diner down the block, a milkshake untouched in front of me. He’d devoured his, and now he was listening intently as I rambled about my brother.

“My father had these black periods his whole life—good days and bad days—but especially once the drought got bad. I mean, things were bad—don’t get me wrong. But sometimes it seemed like things were worse for Dad than for anyone else.” I struggled for words as I rubbed my forehead. “There’s a darkness that runs in the men in my family. Henry isn’t lazy or overreacting. I know that things really do feel hopeless to him, but he’s not even trying to find work now. Not really. Do you know what I mean?”

“I do.”

“Henry’s pride is hurt because I’m supporting him, and now that’s part of the problem. But what am I supposed to do? Quit my jobs, let us live in a homeless camp again?”

“Good grief, Lizzie. Of course you shouldn’t do that.”

“I think it was the same for our father and I bet Henry knows that. Dad was so reliant on Mother, and then when she died—he didn’t even try, not for a single day. He—” I broke off, reluctant to even say the words aloud. Calvin winced, then leaned forward.

“Did your father take his life?”

I nodded, feeling myself becoming emotional. I had survived so much, but I had no idea how I’d go on if I lost Henry.

“Sometimes a mind can play tricks on a person,” Calvin said, his eyes kind. “There is no shame in that for you or for Henry. For your brother, the best thing is probably the structure of a job. A reason to get out of bed each day and a paycheck, so he can feel proud again.”

“I know,” I said heavily. “I don’t mean to say he hasn’t tried. In the beginning, he really did try everything.”

“Maybe I could make some inquiries for you.”

“Would you?” I said in surprise. “You barely know me. You’ve never even met Henry.”

“I can’t make any promises.” He shrugged. “But I can talk to some people. Let me see what I can do.”

The next week when he was back in town, Calvin again suggested we go for a milkshake after I finished my shift. As we walked from the hotel toward the diner, he cut straight to the chase.